CVE-2023-25653 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Cisco's node-jose, a JavaScript implementation of JSON Object Signing and Encryption (JOSE) for web browsers and node.js-based servers. This vulnerability allows an attacker to trigger a Denial-of-Service (DoS) condition due to a possible infinite loop in an internal calculation when using the non-default 'fallback' crypto back-end. The issue manifests randomly for some ECC operations and can also be triggered by malicious input.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, categorized as high severity, indicating significant risk to organizations. The availability impact is classified as high, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to a complete DoS condition, impacting service availability. Organizations using affected versions prior to 2.2.0 must prioritize remediation to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
The vulnerability was published on February 16, 2023, and was modified on November 21, 2024. The urgency for defenders is critical as the affected versions continue to be utilized in various applications. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to safeguard against potential service disruptions.
As of now, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, but the impact on availability makes it essential for organizations to monitor their environments for any indications of exploitation attempts.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-25653 allows for a denial-of-service condition when using the fallback crypto back-end in node-jose versions prior to 2.2.0. The CVE was identified with a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating high severity. There is no confidentiality or integrity impact, but the availability impact is high, meaning that exploitation could lead to service outages.
The affected product is node-jose, developed by Cisco. The vulnerability was disclosed on February 16, 2023, and patched in version 2.2.0. The weakness aligns with CWE-835, indicating a potential infinite loop issue during ECC operations.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-25653 stems from a flaw in the ECC operations within the fallback crypto implementation of node-jose. Attackers may leverage this flaw to induce an infinite loop, resulting in a denial-of-service condition. The attack vector is network-based, allowing exploitation without the need for user interaction. The attack complexity is low, as the conditions for triggering the issue can be met with specific inputs.
No privileges are required for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that utilize node-jose in web applications. The impacts on confidentiality and integrity are negligible, but the potential for high availability impact signifies that service could be disrupted indefinitely if an attack is successful.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using node-jose prior to version 2.2.0 face real-world risks, as this vulnerability can be exploited under certain conditions. The potential blast radius includes any services relying on this library for cryptographic operations. Given the high availability impact, organizations should assess their deployments and prioritize patching this vulnerability in their environments.
With a CVSS score of 7.5, CVE-2023-25653 falls into a category that demands immediate attention. Since it is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations are urged to implement the necessary patches as part of their regular update cycle. The urgency for defenders is high, and organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of node-jose are all versions prior to 2.2.0. Organizations using affected versions should upgrade to 2.2.0 or later to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are advised to upgrade to node-jose version 2.2.0 or later to eliminate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not feasible, ensure that the WebCrypto or Node `crypto` module is available in the JS environment where `node-jose` is being run to avoid using the vulnerable 'fallback' crypto implementation. For further guidance on effective security practices, organizations can refer to our penetration testing services and implement configuration hardening to minimize exposure.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual behavior indicative of DoS attempts. Look for ECC operation failures and unexpected application crashes that may suggest exploitation attempts. Network signatures related to the use of node-jose should also be reviewed for any anomalies.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-25653 represents a significant vulnerability in cryptographic implementations that could have widespread impacts if not addressed. Organizations should remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. This incident highlights the importance of regular updates and thorough security assessments to maintain application integrity.
For further reading on vulnerability management best practices, organizations can explore our vulnerability management program and learn more about the importance of continuous security assessments through our penetration testing methodology articles.
By implementing robust security practices, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of exposure to vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-25653.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)