CVE-2025-0693 is a medium-severity vulnerability that affects the AWS Sign-in IAM user login flow. The vulnerability allows for variable response times, which can be exploited using brute force enumeration techniques. This issue enables attackers to identify valid IAM usernames in an arbitrary AWS account.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium due to its CVSS score of 6.9. Organizations should recognize the potential risks associated with this vulnerability, especially regarding unauthorized access attempts that could lead to further exploitation.
As of the latest updates, this vulnerability is listed as deferred, indicating that it may not be actively exploited. However, organizations should still prioritize addressing this issue to mitigate any potential risks associated with brute force attacks.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle, as attackers may leverage this weakness if left unremediated.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2025-0693 states that variable response times in the AWS Sign-in IAM user login flow allowed for the use of brute force enumeration techniques to identify valid IAM usernames in an arbitrary AWS account. This vulnerability is associated with CWE-204 (Observable Discrepancy) and CWE-208 (User Enumeration).
The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 6.9, indicating a medium severity level. The vulnerability allows for attacks over a network with low complexity, and it does not require any privileges or user interaction, making it easier for attackers to exploit.
This vulnerability was published on January 23, 2025, and remains relevant as organizations continue to rely on AWS services for their operations.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-0693 lies in the variable response times during the AWS Sign-in IAM user login flow. This inconsistency can be exploited by attackers to determine valid usernames through repeated login attempts, effectively creating a brute force enumeration attack vector.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is classified as network-based, meaning that attackers can exploit it remotely without requiring physical access to the target system. The attack complexity is low, which increases the likelihood of successful exploitation.
No privileges are required for this attack, and it does not necessitate user interaction, making it accessible to a wide range of attackers. The confidentiality impact is assessed as low, while integrity and availability impacts are none.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2025-0693 includes the potential for attackers to gather valid IAM usernames through brute force methods. This can lead to unauthorized access attempts and further exploitation if username/password pairs are obtained through other means.
For organizations utilizing AWS services, the importance of this vulnerability cannot be overstated. The ability for attackers to enumerate valid usernames increases the blast radius for potential attacks, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
Organizations should assess their current security measures and implement necessary changes to mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability. Given its medium severity, it should be included in priority patch cycles.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Specific affected versions have not been disclosed for this vulnerability. Organizations should treat all versions of the AWS Sign-in IAM user login flow prior to the necessary patches as potentially vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should monitor for any updates from AWS regarding this vulnerability and implement patches as soon as they are available. Additionally, organizations should consider enhancing their IAM configurations to include rate limiting and monitoring for unusual login attempts to further mitigate the risk.
For ongoing protection, organizations may want to engage in penetration testing to identify further security weaknesses in their AWS environments.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual patterns that may indicate brute force attempts, such as multiple failed login attempts from the same IP address. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in user account activity should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-0693 highlights the ongoing need for organizations to remain vigilant regarding IAM security and potential enumeration attacks. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Security teams should take lessons from this incident to continually assess their IAM configurations and consider adopting best practices for securing cloud environments. For further insights into securing cloud infrastructures, organizations can refer to the cloud penetration testing guide, which provides a comprehensive overview of securing cloud systems.
Moreover, understanding the patterns surrounding vulnerabilities like this can help organizations develop better defenses against potential threats. For detailed methodologies on vulnerability management, consider reviewing our vulnerability management program design resources.
Lastly, engaging in proactive security assessments can significantly reduce exposure to vulnerabilities. Our penetration testing methodology article outlines effective strategies for conducting thorough assessments.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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