Net::NSCA::Client versions through 0.009002 for Perl uses a poor random number generator.
Version v0.003 switched to use Data::Rand::Obscure instead of Crypt::Random for generation of a random initialisation vectors.
Data::Rand::Obscure uses Perls built-in rand() function, which is not suitable for cryptographic functions.
Weakness
The product uses a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in a security context, but the PRNG’s algorithm is not cryptographically strong.
Affected Software
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net::nsca::client | Dougdude | * | 0.009002 (including) |
Extended Description
When a non-cryptographic PRNG is used in a cryptographic context, it can expose the cryptography to certain types of attacks. Often a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is not designed for cryptography. Sometimes a mediocre source of randomness is sufficient or preferable for algorithms that use random numbers. Weak generators generally take less processing power and/or do not use the precious, finite, entropy sources on a system. While such PRNGs might have very useful features, these same features could be used to break the cryptography.