CVE-2025-1146: CrowdStrike Falcon TLS Validation Flaw

CVE-2025-1146 Overview

CrowdStrike identified a validation logic error in the Falcon sensor for Linux, Falcon Kubernetes Admission Controller, and Falcon Container Sensor, where TLS connection routines might incorrectly process server certificate validation, potentially enabling a man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attack.

Critical Impact
Potential for man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attack due to flawed server certificate validation.

Affected Products

Falcon sensor for Linux
Falcon Kubernetes Admission Controller
Falcon Container Sensor

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by CrowdStrike
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to CrowdStrike
Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-1146 assigned
Not Available - CrowdStrike releases security patch
2025-02-12 - CVE CVE-2025-1146 published to NVD
2025-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-1146

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability arises from a validation logic error in the TLS handling by the Falcon sensor. This issue allows incorrect server certificate processing, which can be exploited during TLS handshake to conduct MiTM attacks.

Root Cause

The root cause is a logic flaw in the server certificate validation function within the TLS connection routine.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based enabling remote exploitation where an attacker intercepts traffic between the sensor and the cloud.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
int tls_connect() {
    // Simulated faulty validation logic
    if (validate_certificate(server_cert) == FAULTY_LOGIC) {
        // Bypass authentication
        return CONNECTION_ESTABLISHED;
    }
    return HANDSHAKE_FAILED;
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-1146

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual network traffic patterns
Unexpected certificate signature errors
Frequent connection resets

Detection Strategies

Network monitoring tools can be used to inspect TLS handshakes for invalid certificate signatures or anomalies. Implement anomaly detection models focused on network behavior analysis to identify potential MiTM activities.

Monitoring Recommendations

Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) capable of deep packet inspection and ensure they are configured to alert on any anomalies in TLS connection negotiations.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-1146

Immediate Actions Required

Update to Falcon sensor version 7.06 or above immediately.
Enforce network traffic encryption to prevent eavesdropping.
Isolate vulnerable systems until patches are applied.

Patch Information

CrowdStrike has released security updates fixing the flaw in all versions starting from 7.06 of Falcon sensor for Linux products.

Workarounds

If immediate patching is not possible, implement rigorous network segmentation and ensure that all communication between sensors and the cloud occurs over secure tunnels using VPNs.

bash

# Configuration example
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A OUTPUT -p tcp --sport 443 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -j DROP
iptables -A OUTPUT -j DROP