Out-of-Bounds Read Vulnerability in NSS Package

nss Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

27/05/2021
N/A
Yes i
Critical
9.1

CVE-2020-12403: A flaw was found in the way CHACHA20-POLY1305 was implemented in NSS in versions before 3.55. Affects nss versions < 3.55-r0. Fixed in 3.55-r0. How to fix ↓

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Background

The NSS package is a cryptographic library used for implementing SSL/TLS protocols, as well as other security standards. It provides functions for secure communication and data protection. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12403 affects versions of NSS prior to 3.55. This vulnerability specifically impacts the CHACHA20-POLY1305 implementation in NSS, causing out-of-bounds reads when using multi-part Chacha20. This issue has been addressed by disabling multi-part ChaCha20 and enforcing strict tag length. The vulnerability poses a significant threat to system availability and confidentiality.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability (CVE-2020-12403) in the NSS package arises from a flaw in the CHACHA20-POLY1305 implementation. When multi-part Chacha20 is used, it can lead to out-of-bounds reads. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt the availability of the system. The issue has been resolved by disabling multi-part ChaCha20 and enforcing tag length to prevent potential attacks.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

3.55-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade nss

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Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, applying the recommended fix of updating the NSS package to the latest version will address the issue.

Conclusion

The out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the NSS package (CVE-2020-12403) poses a significant risk to system availability and confidentiality. It is crucial to update the NSS package to version 3.55 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. By disabling multi-part ChaCha20 and enforcing tag length, the issue has been addressed. For additional support and guidance on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and disruption of system availability.

You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your manifest file (e.g., package-lock.json) to the playground and it will provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.

There are no known exploits for this vulnerability at the time of this report. However, it is crucial to apply the recommended fix to mitigate any potential risks.

Yes, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely by an attacker.

For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to info@devnack.com.

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How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

3.55-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade nss

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