Source URL: https://it.slashdot.org/story/24/10/26/1833203/researchers-discover-flaws-in-5-end-to-end-encrypted-cloud-services?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Researchers Discover Flaws In 5 End-to-End Encrypted Cloud Services
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Summary: Researchers from ETH Zurich have uncovered significant cryptographic flaws in several major end-to-end encrypted cloud storage services, compromising their intended confidentiality and security. The findings highlight the vulnerabilities in commonly used services like Sync, pCloud, Seafile, Icedrive, and Tresorit, emphasizing the ongoing risks and the need for improved security practices.
Detailed Description:
The research conducted by ETH Zurich has raised alarms about the security of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in popular cloud storage solutions, particularly given their widespread usage and the sensitive nature of the data they handle. Here are the main points and implications:
– **Identified Vulnerabilities**: The study found serious cryptographic flaws in four out of five cloud services studied, which undermined the security protocols that E2EE is supposed to provide. These flaws could lead to:
– Loss of confidentiality: Unauthorized access to files.
– File tampering: Alteration of stored files without the user’s consent.
– File injection: Malicious files being added to the user’s cloud storage.
– **Service Specifics**:
– **Tresorit**: Among the tested services, Tresorit had the fewest vulnerabilities but did have issues with metadata tampering and usage of non-authentic keys during file sharing.
– **Sync, pCloud, Seafile, and Icedrive**: These services displayed more critical vulnerabilities that could severely compromise user data security.
– **Threat Model Realism**: The researchers consider the threat model realistic, highlighting that even with end-to-end encryption, if an attacker gains control of the server, they could exploit these vulnerabilities.
– **Industry Response**:
– **Sync** is reportedly “fast-tracking fixes” to address the vulnerabilities.
– **Seafile** has committed to addressing a “protocol downgrade problem” in an upcoming update.
These findings underscore the importance of rigorous security assessments and the implementation of stringent patch management protocols in cloud services, especially those relying on E2EE to protect sensitive data.
– **Impact on Users**: The total user base of these services approximates 22 million, indicating that a significant number of individuals and organizations may be at risk due to these vulnerabilities.
– **Professional Implications**: Security and compliance professionals should be vigilant about the cryptographic integrity of the cloud services their organizations use. Regular audits, updates, and reviews of security practices are paramount in mitigating risks associated with potential exploits in E2EE systems.
This analysis emphasizes the critical need for enhanced scrutiny of security measures in cloud computing solutions, as well as the continuous evolution of security protocols to keep pace with emerging threats.