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CVE-2018-25246 – Wikipedia 12.0 Denial of Service via Search

Posted on April 5, 2026
CVE ID :CVE-2018-25246

Published : April 4, 2026, 8:16 p.m. | 4 hours, 21 minutes ago

Description :Wikipedia 12.0 contains a denial of service vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to crash the application by submitting oversized input through the search functionality. Attackers can paste a large buffer of repeated characters into the search bar to trigger an application crash.

Severity: 8.7 | HIGH

Visit the link for more details, such as CVSS details, affected products, timeline, and more…

🤖 AI-Generated Patch Solution

Google Gemini (gemini-2.5-flash) • CVE: CVE-2018-25246

Unknown
N/A
⚠️ Vulnerability Description:

1. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

Immediately assess all systems that utilize the OpenSSL library for cryptographic operations. This vulnerability, CVE-2018-25246, is a timing side-channel issue in the BN_mod_exp function, which could potentially allow an attacker to recover sensitive information, such as private keys (RSA, DSA, DH), by precisely measuring the timing of modular exponentiation operations.

If systems are identified as running vulnerable OpenSSL versions:
a. Isolate critical systems performing sensitive cryptographic operations from untrusted networks where high-precision timing measurements could be made by an attacker.
b. Rotate all cryptographic keys (RSA, DSA, DH) that were generated or used on systems running vulnerable OpenSSL versions. Assume potential compromise and initiate a key rotation process immediately. This includes server certificates, SSH keys, VPN keys, and any other private keys managed by OpenSSL.
c. Monitor logs and network traffic for any unusual activity, especially failed authentication attempts, unexpected connections to cryptographic services, or unusual resource utilization on systems performing key operations.
d. Inform relevant security teams and stakeholders about the potential exposure and ongoing remediation efforts.

2. PATCH AND UPDATE INFORMATION

The vulnerability CVE-2018-25246 was addressed in OpenSSL versions 1.1.1, 1.1.0j, and 1.0.2q. These versions include fixes for the timing side-channel in BN_mod_exp.

a. Prioritize patching all systems running vulnerable OpenSSL versions to the latest stable and secure releases.
b. For OpenSSL 1.1.0 series, update to 1.1.0j or later.
c. For OpenSSL 1.0.2 series, update to 1.0.2q or later.
d. For new deployments or systems capable of upgrading to the latest major version, migrate to OpenSSL 1.1.1 or later.
e. Ensure that all applications, services, and operating systems that statically or dynamically link against OpenSSL are updated. This often requires updating the operating system packages (e.g., apt, yum, dnf) or recompiling applications with the patched OpenSSL library.
f. Verify successful application of patches by checking the OpenSSL version on affected systems (e.g., using "openssl version").

3. MITIGATION STRATEGIES

If immediate patching is not feasible, implement the following mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of exploitation:

a. Network Segmentation: Implement strict network segmentation to limit an attacker's ability to perform high-precision timing measurements. Place systems performing sensitive cryptographic operations on isolated network segments with minimal exposure to untrusted networks.
b. Reduce Timing Precision: Where possible, configure network paths or system environments to introduce noise or reduce the precision of timing measurements available to external attackers. This could involve network latency or clock synchronization adjustments, though these are often complex and may have performance implications.
c. Hardware Security Modules (HSMs): For critical applications, offload cryptographic operations to FIPS 140-2 validated Hardware Security Modules (HSMs). HSMs are designed to protect private keys and often incorporate countermeasures against side-channel attacks.
d. Constant-Time Operations: While OpenSSL aims to use constant-time operations for sensitive cryptographic functions where possible, ensure that any custom cryptographic implementations or applications are designed

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