An uncontrolled resource consumption (memory leak) flaw was found in ZeroMQs src/xpub.cpp in versions before 4.3.3. This flaw allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to send crafted PUB messages that consume excessive memory if the CURVE/ZAP authentication is disabled on the server, causing a denial of service. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to system availability.
Weakness
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
Affected Software
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libzmq | Zeromq | 4.2.0 (including) | 4.3.3 (excluding) |
| Zeromq3 | Ubuntu | bionic | * |
| Zeromq3 | Ubuntu | esm-apps/bionic | * |
| Zeromq3 | Ubuntu | esm-apps/focal | * |
| Zeromq3 | Ubuntu | focal | * |
| Zeromq3 | Ubuntu | groovy | * |
| Zeromq3 | Ubuntu | trusty | * |
| Zeromq3 | Ubuntu | upstream | * |
| Zeromq3 | Ubuntu | xenial | * |
Potential Mitigations
Mitigation of resource exhaustion attacks requires that the target system either:
The first of these solutions is an issue in itself though, since it may allow attackers to prevent the use of the system by a particular valid user. If the attacker impersonates the valid user, they may be able to prevent the user from accessing the server in question.
The second solution is simply difficult to effectively institute – and even when properly done, it does not provide a full solution. It simply makes the attack require more resources on the part of the attacker.
Related Attack Patterns
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/147.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/227.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/492.html