pyasn1 is a generic ASN.1 library for Python. Prior to 0.6.4, the BER, CER, and DER decoders process OBJECT IDENTIFIER and RELATIVE-OID values in quadratic time relative to the number of arcs, so a small crafted payload containing an OID with many arcs consumes excessive CPU per decode() call and can deny service to applications that decode untrusted ASN.1 data. The corresponding encoders have the same quadratic behavior when an application re-encodes previously decoded attacker-supplied values. This issue is fixed in version 0.6.4.
Weakness
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
Affected Software
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyasn1 | Pyasn1 | * | 0.6.4 (excluding) |
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