CVE-2015-0226: Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm in Apache WSS4J

org.apache.ws.security:wss4j Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/05/2022
Yes i
High
7.5

CVE-2015-0226: Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm in Apache WSS4J. Affects org.apache.ws.security:wss4j versions < 1.6.17. Fixed in 1.6.17. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2015-0226 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.

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Background

Apache WSS4J is a Java library for implementing security in web services using the SOAP message format. It provides various functionalities such as message signing, encryption, and authentication. The library is widely used in enterprise applications to secure web services communication. However, versions before 1.6.17 and 2.0.x before 2.0.2 are vulnerable to a cryptographic algorithm issue.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in Apache WSS4J allows for the leakage of information about decryption failures during the decryption process of an encrypted key or message data. This leakage makes it easier for remote attackers to recover the plaintext form of a symmetric key by exploiting a series of crafted messages. The vulnerability is a result of an incomplete fix for CVE-2011-2487. The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it can lead to the compromise of sensitive data and the integrity of the encrypted communication.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.6.17

This is the first release that contains the fix.

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update to the fixed versions of Apache WSS4J to address the issue.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in Apache WSS4J allows for the leakage of information about decryption failures during the decryption process, making it easier for remote attackers to recover the plaintext form of a symmetric key. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to update to the fixed versions of Apache WSS4J. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

Apache WSS4J is a Java library for implementing security in web services using the SOAP message format. It provides functionalities such as message signing, encryption, and authentication.

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to recover the plaintext form of a symmetric key by exploiting decryption failures. This can lead to the compromise of sensitive data and the integrity of the encrypted communication.

To fix this vulnerability, update Apache WSS4J to version 1.6.17 or later for versions before 2.0.x, or version 2.0.2 or later for versions 2.0.x.

No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to update to the fixed versions of Apache WSS4J.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Apache WSS4J advisory: [link to advisory]

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for org.apache.ws.security:wss4j.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.6.17

This is the first release that contains the fix.

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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