CVE-2017-16007 in node-jose
Summary
by MITRE
node-jose is a JavaScript implementation of the JSON Object Signing and Encryption (JOSE) for current web browsers and node.js-based servers. node-jose earlier than version 0.9.3 is vulnerable to an invalid curve attack. This allows an attacker to recover the private secret key when JWE with Key Agreement with Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral Static (ECDH-ES) is used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16007 affects node-jose, a JavaScript library implementing the JSON Object Signing and Encryption (JOSE) standards for web browsers and node.js environments. This library provides cryptographic functionality for securing JSON data through signing and encryption mechanisms. The specific flaw resides in the library's handling of elliptic curve cryptography operations, particularly within the Key Agreement with Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral Static (ECDH-ES) mechanism used in JWE (JSON Web Encryption) implementations. The vulnerability impacts all versions prior to 0.9.3, making it a significant security concern for applications relying on this library for secure communications.
The technical flaw represents an invalid curve attack that exploits weaknesses in the elliptic curve validation process during key agreement operations. When JWE objects utilize ECDH-ES for key agreement, the vulnerable implementation fails to properly validate the elliptic curve parameters provided by the attacker. This allows an adversary to manipulate the curve parameters in a way that reduces the security of the elliptic curve cryptography to a level where the private key can be recovered through mathematical attacks. The attack specifically targets the ECDH-ES key agreement mechanism where the ephemeral key is generated using elliptic curve operations, and the validation of the curve parameters is insufficient to prevent attackers from using weak or malicious curve parameters that compromise the entire key exchange process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cryptographic weakness to represent a serious threat to the confidentiality and integrity of encrypted communications. Applications using vulnerable versions of node-jose for securing sensitive data through JWE encryption with ECDH-ES key agreement are at risk of having their encrypted communications decrypted by attackers who can recover the private keys. This affects web applications, APIs, and server-side services that rely on JOSE standards for secure data transmission, potentially exposing user data, session tokens, and other sensitive information that was intended to be protected through strong cryptographic measures. The vulnerability particularly impacts systems where JWE is used for token-based authentication, secure API communications, and data encryption in distributed systems.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to node-jose version 0.9.3 or later to address this vulnerability, as the fix implements proper elliptic curve parameter validation during ECDH-ES key agreement operations. The mitigation strategy should also include reviewing all applications that utilize the affected library to identify and remediate any hardcoded or hardcoded elliptic curve parameters that might still be vulnerable. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of cryptographic implementations to ensure that proper curve validation is in place for all elliptic curve operations, particularly those involving key agreement mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-327 (Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm) and represents a specific instance of improper key validation that enables cryptographic attacks. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged in the credential access and defense evasion phases of an attack lifecycle, potentially enabling attackers to decrypt sensitive communications and maintain persistent access to systems that rely on compromised cryptographic implementations.