Critical Vulnerability in node-cipher-base: Potential for Hash Collisions and Denial of Service
Summary
USN-7746-1: node-cipher-base vulnerability. Affects node-cipher-base versions < 1.0.4-1ubuntu0.1~esm2. Fixed in 1.0.4-1ubuntu0.1~esm2. How to fix ↓
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Background
node-cipher-base is a package used in various applications to manage cryptographic operations, particularly related to cipher algorithms. It is designed to provide a secure way to handle sensitive data. However, recent findings have revealed a vulnerability that could allow attackers to manipulate the internal state of hash functions, leading to severe security implications.
Vulnerability Detail
Nikita Skovoroda discovered that node-cipher-base did not properly manage certain inputs. This oversight could allow an attacker to exploit the vulnerability, potentially resulting in hash collisions, denial of service, or other unspecified impacts. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2025-9287, and it poses a significant risk to applications relying on this package for cryptographic operations.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.0.4-1ubuntu0.1~esm2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade node-cipher-baseTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users may consider restricting input validation for the affected functions to mitigate the risk of exploitation until the package can be updated. However, this is not a permanent solution and should only be used as a stopgap.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in node-cipher-base poses a significant risk to applications that utilize this package for cryptographic operations. It is crucial for users to update to the patched versions provided for their respective Ubuntu distributions to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for node-cipher-base →
FAQ
The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the internal state of hash functions, which can lead to hash collisions and denial of service.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.
The impacts include hash collisions, denial of service, and potentially other unspecified security issues that could compromise application integrity.
Yes, patched versions of the node-cipher-base package are available for various Ubuntu distributions. Users should update to the latest version as soon as possible.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing input validation restrictions as a temporary workaround until the package can be updated.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for node-cipher-base.
