What is CVE-2014-0160 vulnerability?
CVE-2014-0160, widely known as the Heartbleed vulnerability, is a critical security flaw in the OpenSSL cryptographic software library. It is classified as a buffer over-read vulnerability, which allows attackers to exploit improperly implemented TLS/DTLS heartbeat functions to access sensitive data in memory. This data can include private keys, passwords, session cookies, and other sensitive information, leading to potential compromise of confidentiality and system integrity.
When was it discovered?
Heartbleed was disclosed publicly on April 7, 2014, by researchers from Codenomicon and Google Security. It was identified shortly before that by Neel Mehta of Google, and the team at Codenomicon later confirmed its impact. Its disclosure garnered significant media attention due to its widespread implications across millions of affected systems.
Affected products & versions
Product | Versions Affected | Fixed Versions / Patch Links |
OpenSSL | 1.0.1 through 1.0.1f | 1.0.1g or later (OpenSSL Patch) |
Debian-based OS | Various Package Versions | Refer to vendor-specific advisories |
Ubuntu | Various Package Versions | Refer to vendor-specific advisories |
Other Linux distros | Various Versions | Refer to vendor-specific advisories |
CVE-2014-0160 technical description
CVE-2014-0160 is a memory-handling vulnerability that arises due to improper bounds checking of the payload length parameter in the heartbeat extension of OpenSSL. Attackers send crafted heartbeat requests to exploit the buffer over-read error, causing the system to return an excessive amount of memory data—up to 64KB per request. This data leakage makes sensitive information available for adversaries without direct system access.
Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)
Attackers leveraging this vulnerability craft malicious heartbeat requests to extract memory data repeatedly. The issue is often exploited to retrieve keys or credentials, enabling further unauthorized access or man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
Indicators of compromise
To monitor, look for unusual SSL/TLS connections or heartbeat activity from unverified IPs. Specific IOCs include irregular network traffic originating from known OpenSSL vulnerabilities and unusual use of valid session keys.
Known proof-of-concepts & exploits
Proof-of-concepts are publicly available on platforms such as GitHub and Exploit-DB, and the vulnerability has seen widespread exploitation across the internet. Key campaigns included exploitation of vulnerable servers to compromise HTTPS-secured communications.
How to detect CVE-2014-0160 vulnerability?
Organizations should review SSL/TLS logs for unusual heartbeat packet sizes or repetitive unusual requests. Tools such as vulnerability scanners (e.g., Nessus, Qualys) can identify compromised systems. SIEM detection rules can also be set to trigger on observed malicious patterns.
Impact & risk of CVE-2014-0160 vulnerability
Heartbleed puts data confidentiality and system integrity at severe risk. Exploitable without privileged access, it can leak sensitive information, including private keys, enabling unauthorized system access. Businesses have seen stolen credentials, exposed sensitive user data, and service downtimes as direct consequences.
Mitigation & remediation strategies
Immediate remediation involves applying the OpenSSL 1.0.1g patch or recompiling the library with the heartbeat extension disabled. For long-term measures, conduct SSL/TLS certificate renewal and key rotation to invalidate leaked keys. Regular infrastructure scanning and controlled software updates are essential to safeguard systems.
CVE-2014-0160 Vulnerability FAQs
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