CVE-2009-3245

OpenSSL before 0.9.8m does not check for a NULL return value from bn_wexpand function calls in (1) crypto/bn/bn_div.c, (2) crypto/bn/bn_gf2m.c, (3)…

published March 5, 2010

CVSS
—
EPSS
6%
Percentile
93.1
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky oversight in OpenSSL could leave your system vulnerable! Before version 0.9.8m, a NULL return value from certain function calls isn’t being checked—like a waiter forgetting to ask if there’s any food allergies before serving a dish! Imagine a restaurant kitchen that doesn’t check for food allergies when preparing meals. If an unsuspecting diner gets served something they can’t eat, it could lead to big problems! This OpenSSL vulnerability is similar in that it could lead to unforeseen issues during cryptographic operations due to unchecked return values. While the exact impact isn't specified, the potential for unexpected behavior or failures could open the door for context-dependent attacks. This could be absolutely devastating for applications relying on OpenSSL for security, possibly leading to data breaches or crashes.

Put simply

Imagine a restaurant kitchen that doesn’t check for food allergies when preparing meals. If an unsuspecting diner gets served something they can’t eat, it could lead to big problems! This OpenSSL vulnerability is similar in that it could lead to unforeseen issues during cryptographic operations due to unchecked return values. This vulnerability arises from OpenSSL failing to check return values for the bn_wexpand function across multiple files, which could lead to issues in cryptographic calculations if the function returns NULL without proper handling.

What to do

While the exact impact isn't specified, the potential for unexpected behavior or failures could open the door for context-dependent attacks. This could be absolutely devastating for applications relying on OpenSSL for security, possibly leading to data breaches or crashes. To protect yourself, consider upgrading OpenSSL to version 0.9.8m or later if still in use—this will ensure the vulnerability is patched. Additionally, review your code for any reliance on these functions and implement proper checks for NULL returns where necessary. This is manageable! Stay proactive, update as needed, and you’ll keep your systems secure! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.05779 · 93.1th percentile
Published
2010-03-05T19:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 05 MAR 19:00Z
    OpenSSL before 0.9.8m does not check for a NULL return value from bn_wexpand function calls in (1) crypto/bn/bn_div.c, (2) crypto/bn/bn_gf2m.c, (3)…
    cvelistv5