Advisory ID: ngCERT-2024-0034
Summary:
ngCERT is issuing an urgent security alert regarding the dangers and risks associated with expired Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates, which are increasingly observed within Nigerian cyberspace. SSL is essential for web services as it ensures end-to-end encrypted communication between client and server over the Internet. However, if an SSL certificate on the server side expires, this secure communication is compromised, exposing users to cyber threats. Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability to execute phishing attacks and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, among others, leading to data breaches, data theft, reputational damage, financial losses, and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Given these risks, users are advised to renew expired SSL certificates and implement other recommended mitigation steps.
Threat Type(s): Vulnerability
Impact/Vulnerability: CRITICAL/HIGH
Product(s): SSL Certificates
Platform(s): Web Applications
Version(s): All Versions
Description:
SSL certificates verify the identity of a website owner while enabling secure and encrypted connections for users accessing the server. When an SSL certificate expires, it can no longer ensure a secure connection, exposing organizations to potential attack vectors. Expired SSL certificates are particularly vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, where an attacker intercepts and eavesdrops on client-server communications, potentially hijacking requests to the web application. This could lead to the theft or alteration of sensitive data. Additionally, cybercriminals might create phishing websites that imitate legitimate sites with expired SSL certificates, using similar URLs to deceive unsuspecting users into divulging sensitive information for malicious purposes.
Consequences:
Exploitation of the aforesaid flaw could result in:
- Unauthorized access
- Data breaches and exfiltration
- Financial losses
- Denial of Service (DoS) attack
- Reputational damage
Solution:
To mitigate this risk, the following actions are recommended:
- Immediate Renewal: Renew the expired SSL certificate and install it on the server to re-enable secure communication.
- Implement Certificate Monitoring: Deploy an automated SSL certificate monitoring system that alerts administrators 30, 15, and 7 days before certificate expiration. This ensures ample time for renewal.
- Establish Renewal Procedures: Set up a robust process for SSL certificate management, with clear timelines and ownership to avoid missed renewals in the future. Consider using certificate management tools or platforms that automate renewals.
- Conduct Regular Security Audits: Schedule periodic audits of all SSL certificates across the system to identify any upcoming expirations and ensure all certificates are up to date.
- User Notification and Trust Restoration: Notify affected users of the issue, informing them that the SSL certificate has been renewed and that secure access has been restored.
- Review Compliance Requirements: Verify that the expired SSL certificate did not result in any non-compliance issues with relevant security regulations or industry standards. Update documentation and records as necessary to demonstrate renewed compliance.