Insecure encryption algorithm - SSLContext - Scala

Insecure encryption algorithm - SSLContext - Scala

Need

Implementation of secure encryption algorithms for SSLContext

Context

  • Usage of Scala for building scalable and high-performance applications
  • Usage of javax.net.ssl for secure communication over HTTPS
  • Usage of play.api.libs.ws.ning for making HTTP requests in Play Framework

Description

Non compliant code

        import javax.net.ssl.SSLContext
import play.api.libs.ws.ning.NingWSClient

val insecureSSLContext: SSLContext = SSLContext.getInstance("SSL")
val ningWSClient = new NingWSClient(insecureSSLContext)

The above code is creating an instance of SSLContext with the "SSL" protocol which is considered insecure. The "SSL" protocol is outdated and has numerous known vulnerabilities such as POODLE (Padding Oracle On Downgraded Legacy Encryption) and BEAST (Browser Exploit Against SSL/TLS).

The SSLContext instance is then used to create a new NingWSClient. This means that all the connections made by this client will be using the insecure "SSL" protocol.

This exposes the application to various types of attacks such as Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) where an attacker can eavesdrop or manipulate the data being transmitted.

To mitigate this vulnerability, it's recommended to use a secure version of the protocol such as "TLSv1.2" or "TLSv1.3".

Steps

  • Replace the insecure SSLContext algorithm with a secure one, such as TLS.
  • Update the SSLContext.getInstance() method to use a secure algorithm, such as SSLContext.getInstance("TLS").
  • Ensure that the SSLContext algorithm used is up-to-date and not vulnerable to known security issues.
  • Consider using a library or framework that provides secure defaults for SSL/TLS configurations, such as the Play framework's built-in SSL/TLS support.
  • Verify that the SSL/TLS configuration is properly configured and follows best practices, such as using strong cipher suites and key lengths.
  • Regularly update the SSL/TLS configuration to stay up-to-date with the latest security recommendations and patches.

Compliant code

        import javax.net.ssl.SSLContext
import play.api.libs.ws.ning.NingWSClient

val secureSSLContext: SSLContext = SSLContext.getInstance("TLS")
val ningWSClient = new NingWSClient(secureSSLContext)

The original code was using an insecure SSLContext algorithm, specifically "SSL". This algorithm is considered insecure and vulnerable to various types of attacks.

The updated code replaces the insecure SSLContext algorithm with a secure one, "TLS". The SSLContext.getInstance("TLS") method is used to get an instance of the secure SSLContext.

The NingWSClient is then created with the secure SSLContext. This ensures that the client will use the secure TLS protocol for its connections, protecting against attacks that target the insecure SSL protocol.

It's important to note that the SSLContext algorithm used should be up-to-date and not vulnerable to known security issues. Regular updates and checks should be performed to ensure the security of the SSL/TLS configuration.

Additionally, consider using a library or framework that provides secure defaults for SSL/TLS configurations, such as the Play framework's built-in SSL/TLS support. This can help to ensure that the SSL/TLS configuration is properly configured and follows best practices, such as using strong cipher suites and key lengths.

References