Insecure encryption algorithm - SSL/TLS - Scala

Insecure encryption algorithm - SSL/TLS - Scala

Need

Implementation of secure encryption algorithms for SSL/TLS communication

Context

  • Usage of Scala for building scalable and functional applications
  • Usage of play.api for building web applications in Scala
  • Usage of play.core.server for running a Play Framework server
  • Usage of java.io.File for file input/output operations

Description

Non compliant code

        import play.api._
import play.core.server._

val serverConfig = ServerConfig(
  port = Some(9000),
  ssl = Some(SSLConfig(
    keyManagerConfig = KeyManagerConfig(keystoreFile = Some(new java.io.File("/path/to/keystore.jks"))),
    trustManagerConfig = TrustManagerConfig(trustStoreConfigs = Seq(TrustStoreConfig(filePath = Some(new java.io.File("/path/to/truststore.jks"))))),
    protocol = "SSLv3"
  ))
)

val server = NettyServer.fromServerConfig(serverConfig, Environment.simple())

In the above Scala code, the Play Framework is used to set up a server that uses SSL/TLS for secure communication. The configuration for the server is set using ServerConfig.

The problem lies in the SSLConfig section where the protocol is set to "SSLv3". SSLv3 is an outdated and insecure protocol that has many known vulnerabilities, including POODLE (Padding Oracle On Downgraded Legacy Encryption) which allows an attacker to decrypt and steal sensitive information.

The keyManagerConfig and trustManagerConfig are correctly configured to use a keystore and truststore file respectively. However, the insecurity arises from the usage of the SSLv3 protocol.

By allowing the usage of insecure TLS protocol versions, the server is exposed to potential attacks that could decrypt the secure communication, leading to data theft and other security issues.

Steps

  • Update the SSL/TLS protocol version to a secure version (e.g., TLSv1.2 or higher).
  • Ensure that the keystore and truststore files are properly configured and contain valid certificates.
  • Consider using a strong encryption algorithm and key size for the SSL/TLS configuration.
  • Regularly update the SSL/TLS libraries and dependencies to the latest versions to benefit from security patches and improvements.
  • Perform regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities in the SSL/TLS configuration.

Compliant code

        import play.api._
import play.core.server._

val serverConfig = ServerConfig(
  port = Some(9000),
  ssl = Some(SSLConfig(
    keyManagerConfig = KeyManagerConfig(keystoreFile = Some(new java.io.File("/path/to/keystore.jks"))),
    trustManagerConfig = TrustManagerConfig(trustStoreConfigs = Seq(TrustStoreConfig(filePath = Some(new java.io.File("/path/to/truststore.jks"))))),
    protocol = "TLSv1.2"
  ))
)

val server = NettyServer.fromServerConfig(serverConfig, Environment.simple())

The original code was using an insecure SSL/TLS protocol version (SSLv3), which is known to have several vulnerabilities. The updated code now uses a secure version of the protocol, TLSv1.2.

The ServerConfig object is configured with the secure protocol version, along with the necessary keystore and truststore files. The keystore file contains the server's private key and self-signed certificate, while the truststore file contains the certificates of trusted parties.

The NettyServer is then started with the secure configuration. This ensures that all connections to the server are encrypted using a secure protocol version, protecting sensitive data from being intercepted or tampered with.

It's important to ensure that the keystore and truststore files are properly configured and contain valid certificates. Also, consider using a strong encryption algorithm and key size for the SSL/TLS configuration.

Regularly update the SSL/TLS libraries and dependencies to the latest versions to benefit from security patches and improvements. Perform regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities in the SSL/TLS configuration.

References