CVE-2024-22893 in OpenSlides
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2024
OpenSlides 4.0.15 verifies passwords by comparing password hashes using a function with content-dependent runtime. This can allow attackers to obtain information about the password hash using a timing attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2025
OpenSlides 4.0.15 contains a critical security vulnerability classified as a timing attack vector that undermines the system's password verification mechanism. The flaw resides in the password hash comparison function which exhibits content-dependent runtime behavior, creating measurable differences in execution time based on the input values being compared. This vulnerability directly violates security best practices for cryptographic operations and exposes the system to sophisticated attack methodologies that exploit temporal side channels.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of password hash comparisons within the authentication framework. When the system validates user credentials, it employs a comparison function that does not execute in constant time regardless of the input values. This timing variation occurs because the function processes each character of the hash sequentially and terminates early when mismatches are detected, allowing attackers to measure the duration of these comparisons. The vulnerability maps to CWE-203, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through timing discrepancies in cryptographic implementations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform sophisticated timing attacks against the password verification system. An adversary can systematically measure response times during authentication attempts to infer information about the password hash structure, potentially leading to the reconstruction of the original password or the identification of specific hash components. The attack surface extends beyond simple credential theft to include potential account compromise and further system infiltration. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which covers the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and extract sensitive information.
The security implications of this timing attack vulnerability are particularly severe because it operates at the cryptographic layer where the integrity of authentication systems depends on constant-time operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform brute force or dictionary attacks with enhanced efficiency, as the timing information provides crucial feedback about the correctness of partial guesses. The vulnerability affects all user accounts within the OpenSlides system and can be exploited even when the target system implements additional security measures such as account lockout mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates and consider implementing additional monitoring for anomalous authentication patterns that may indicate timing attack attempts.