Certificate Validation Bypass in wolfSSL

Executive Summary

This vulnerability occurs when a failed X509_verify_cert call permanently installs an unverified attacker-controlled CA certificate in the shared CertManager. This bypasses certificate validation for all sibling consumers like TLS, OCSP, CRL, and direct CM verification. It affects wolfSSL versions 5.8.4 through 5.9.2 when built with OPENSSL_EXTRA and without NO_CERTS or WOLFCRYPT_ONLY, and when X509_verify_cert is called.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability requires checking if your wolfSSL version is between 5.8.4 and 5.9.2 with OPENSSL_EXTRA enabled. Run: wolfssl --version to verify the version. Check if the application uses X509_verify_cert calls. Inspect logs for certificate validation failures or unexpected CA persistence.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass certificate validation, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, intercepting encrypted traffic, or impersonating trusted servers. It undermines the security of TLS connections and other certificate-dependent operations in affected applications.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability compromises the integrity of encrypted communications, which could violate requirements for secure data transmission in GDPR and HIPAA. Non-compliance may result from failing to protect sensitive data in transit, leading to potential legal and regulatory penalties.

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Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade wolfSSL to a patched version beyond 5.9.2. Disable OPENSSL_EXTRA if not required. Review and update certificate validation logic in applications using X509_verify_cert. Monitor for unauthorized CA entries in CertManager.

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