CVE-2023-25653 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves an improper calculation in ECC implementation that can lead to triggering a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack. The vulnerability affects versions of the

node-jose

JavaScript library prior to version 2.2.0.

Understanding CVE-2023-25653

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-25653, highlighting the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-25653?

CVE-2023-25653 specifically pertains to a vulnerability in the

node-jose

library, which is a JavaScript implementation of the JSON Object Signing and Encryption (JOSE) standard for web browsers and Node.js-based servers. The issue arises when utilizing the non-default "fallback" crypto back-end, where ECC operations in

node-jose

can trigger a DoS condition due to a potential infinite loop in an internal calculation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25653

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as high severity, with a CVSS base score of 7.5. Attackers can exploit this flaw to cause a DoS situation, affecting the availability of services that rely on the vulnerable

node-jose

library.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25653

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-25653, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper calculations in ECC implementation within the

node-jose

library, leading to the potential for triggering a DoS condition. This issue is specifically present in versions of

node-jose

prior to 2.2.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

The

node-jose

library versions below 2.2.0 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users of versions older than 2.2.0 should take immediate action to address this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious input that triggers the infinite loop in the ECC calculations, leading to a DoS scenario. The issue has been addressed in version 2.2.0 of the

node-jose

library.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on recommended steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-25653, ensuring the security of systems using the

node-jose

library.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the

node-jose

library to version 2.2.0 or newer to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, users should ensure that the "fallback" crypto back-end is not used to avoid encountering this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating software dependencies can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Security audits and code reviews are recommended to identify and address potential weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by the

node-jose

project to address vulnerabilities promptly. Regularly applying updates and monitoring security feeds can bolster the security posture of systems utilizing the

node-jose

library.