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Heartbleed (CVE-2014-0160)

Heartbleed (CVE-2014-0160)

Description

Heartbleed (CVE-2014-0160) is a security bug in the OpenSSL cryptography library, a widely used implementation of Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. It was introduced into the software in 2012 and publicly disclosed in April 2014.

Heartbleed may be exploited regardless of whether the vulnerable OpenSSL instance runs as a TLS server or client. It results from improper input validation (due to a missing bounds check) in the implementation of the TLS heartbeat extension; thus, the bug's name derives from heartbeat. Additionally, the vulnerability is classified as a buffer over-read, where more data can be read than should be allowed.

Recommendation

To mitigate the risk of heartbleed vulnerability, consider:

  • Update OpenSSL: Ensure that you're using the latest version of OpenSSL that contains the Heartbleed patch. Update your systems, applications, and devices to the patched version.
  • Replace SSL Certificates: Generate new SSL certificates for your servers and revoke the old ones. This helps prevent potential exploitation of compromised private keys.
  • Reset User Credentials: Encourage users to change their passwords, especially if they've logged into affected services during the period when Heartbleed was present.

Standards

  • PCI_STANDARDS:
    • REQ_2_2
    • REQ_4_2
    • REQ_6_2
    • REQ_6_3
    • REQ_6_4
    • REQ_11_3
  • SOC2_CONTROLS:
    • CC_2_1
    • CC_4_1
    • CC_7_1
    • CC_7_2
    • CC_7_4
    • CC_7_5