CVE-2024-31510 in liboqs
Summary
by MITRE • 05/24/2024
An issue in Open Quantum Safe liboqs v.10.0 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the crypto_sign_signature parameter in the /pqcrystals-dilithium-standard_ml-dsa-44-ipd_avx2/sign.c component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31510 resides within the Open Quantum Safe liboqs library version 10.0, specifically within the pqcrystals-dilithium-standard_ml-dsa-44-ipd_avx2 implementation. This cryptographic library serves as a foundational component for post-quantum cryptography implementations, particularly for digital signature algorithms that are designed to resist quantum computing attacks. The flaw manifests in the crypto_sign_signature parameter handling within the sign.c source file, which represents a critical security weakness in the cryptographic signing process. This issue affects the integrity and security of digital signatures generated by the library, potentially compromising the trust model that relies on these cryptographic primitives.
The technical flaw stems from improper validation or handling of the crypto_sign_signature parameter during the signature generation process. When processing cryptographic signatures, the system must ensure that all input parameters are properly validated to prevent unintended behavior or exploitation. In this case, the vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the signature parameter in a way that could lead to privilege escalation or unauthorized access to systems that rely on the cryptographic signatures produced by this library. The specific nature of the flaw involves the interaction between the signature generation algorithm and the parameter validation mechanisms, creating an opportunity for malicious input to influence the cryptographic operations beyond normal expected behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it affects the fundamental security guarantees provided by the digital signature algorithm. Systems that depend on liboqs for post-quantum cryptographic security may experience compromised authenticity and integrity assurances when this vulnerability is exploited. Attackers could potentially forge signatures, manipulate signed data, or gain elevated privileges within systems that trust the output of the affected cryptographic functions. The implications are particularly severe given that this library is used in environments where quantum-resistant cryptography is essential for long-term security. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to systems and can potentially compromise security from external networks, amplifying the risk to organizations relying on this cryptographic implementation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-31510 should prioritize immediate patching of the liboqs library to version 10.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the signature parameter handling. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems and applications that utilize this library, particularly those in critical infrastructure or security-sensitive environments. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to systems that rely on the vulnerable cryptographic functions, monitoring for suspicious signature generation patterns, and ensuring that all cryptographic implementations undergo thorough security testing before deployment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1552.003 for unsecured credentials, as the privilege escalation could enable attackers to access sensitive cryptographic materials or system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing cryptographic module validation procedures and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all cryptographic libraries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.