Linux Openssl Vulnerability
| 2 comments ]

================================================== ========= Ubuntu Security Notice USN-612-1 May 13, 2008 openssl vulnerability CVE-2008-0166 ================================================== =========
A weakness has been discovered in the random number generator used by OpenSSL on Debian and Ubuntu systems. As a result of this weakness, certain encryption keys are much more common than they should be, such that an attacker could guess the key through a brute-force attack given minimal knowledge of the system. This particularly affects the use of encryption keys in OpenSSH, OpenVPN and SSL certificates.

This vulnerability only affects operating systems which (like Ubuntu) are based on Debian. However, other systems can be indirectly affected if weak keys are imported into them.

We consider this an extremely serious vulnerability, and urge all users to act immediately to secure their systems. (CVE-2008-0166)

This advisory also applies to the corresponding versions of Kubuntu, Edubuntu, and Xubuntu.

== Who is affected ==

Systems which are running any of the following releases:
* Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty)
* Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy)
* Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy)
* Ubuntu "Intrepid Ibex" (development): libssl <= 0.9.8g-8
* Debian 4.0 (etch) (see corresponding Debian security advisory)

and have openssh-server installed or have been used to create an OpenSSH key or X.509 (SSL) certificate.

All OpenSSH and X.509 keys generated on such systems must be considered untrustworthy, regardless of the system on which they are used, even after the update has been applied

This includes the automatically generated host keys used by OpenSSH, which are the basis for its server spoofing and man-in-the-middle protection.

The problem can be corrected by upgrading your system to the following package versions:

Ubuntu 7.04: libssl0.9.8 0.9.8c-4ubuntu0.3
Ubuntu 7.10: libssl0.9.8 0.9.8e-5ubuntu3.2
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS: libssl0.9.8 0.9.8g-4ubuntu3.1

Relevant links:
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-612-1
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-612-2
http://lists.debian.org/debian-secur.../msg00152.html

To Test Your Key:

type ssh-vulnkey in the terminal

the result will tell you if you have a weak key

Source : UbuntuForums

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2 comments

cozmicharlie said... @ June 4, 2008 at 9:44 AM

Thanks Prash for this warning. I just checked my bittorrent server running 7.10 and it is using the version you recommend. I assume this measn if you keep the system updated you should be OK (not that you still should not check of course) What should the output of the command ssh-vulnkey be if 1. it is vulnerable or 2. if it is not vulnerable?

Anonymous said... @ June 4, 2008 at 6:26 PM

Hello cozmicharlie,
If you get an output like Not Blacklisted .. followed by some numbers it means that you are safe and well protected

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