PostgreSQL JDBC Driver SSL Factory Man-in-the-Middle Attack Vulnerability [CVE-2018-10936]

CVE Number – CVE-2018-10936

A vulnerability in the PostgreSQL Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) driver could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks.

The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of hostnames by the affected software. As a result, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates of other hosts could be accepted if signed by a trusted certificate authority (CA). An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to conduct a man-in-the-middle attack by masquerading as a trusted server on the network. A successful exploit could be used to conduct further attacks.

PostgreSQL confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

• To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must be positioned between a targeted system using the JDBC driver and the PostgreSQL server it is connecting to. It is likely that the attacker would need to be on the same trusted, internal network as the two systems. This access requirement may reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.

  Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.

  Administrators are advised to run both firewall and antivirus applications to minimize the potential of inbound and outbound threats.

  Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.

  Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.

  Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.

• PostgreSQL released a security advisory at the following link: CVE-2018-10936

• PostgreSQL released a software update at the following link: PostgreSQL JDBC Driver 42.2.5

Duncan

Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.