CVE-2024-41260 in netbird
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2024
A static initialization vector (IV) in the encrypt function of netbird management's service from v0.23.2 to v0.29.1 allows attackers to obtain sensitive information (email addresses) when in possession of the audit events database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41260 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in the NetBird management service affecting versions 0.23.2 through 0.29.1. This flaw stems from the improper implementation of encryption mechanisms where a static initialization vector is used within the encrypt function. The static IV creates a predictable encryption pattern that fundamentally undermines the security guarantees of the encryption algorithm. When combined with the audit events database that contains sensitive information including email addresses, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform cryptographic attacks that would otherwise be impossible with properly randomized IVs.
The technical flaw manifests in the encryption implementation where the same IV is reused across multiple encryption operations. This static initialization vector approach directly violates fundamental cryptographic principles and creates a significant attack surface. According to CWE-329, this represents a weakness in the generation or usage of initialization vectors that can lead to predictable ciphertext patterns. The vulnerability creates a scenario where an attacker with access to the audit events database can exploit the predictable encryption behavior to recover sensitive information, particularly email addresses that were encrypted using the vulnerable function. The static IV essentially eliminates the randomness that encryption algorithms rely on to maintain confidentiality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a pathway to recover sensitive user data that was previously protected by encryption. The audit events database serves as the attack vector where the encrypted email addresses are stored, and the static IV allows for pattern analysis that can lead to plaintext recovery. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1566.001 for credential access through data manipulation. Organizations relying on NetBird management services during the affected version range face significant risk of unauthorized access to user email addresses and potentially other sensitive information that was encrypted using this vulnerable implementation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-41260 require immediate action to upgrade to NetBird management service versions that address the static IV vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper IV generation mechanisms that utilize cryptographically secure random number generators for each encryption operation, ensuring that initialization vectors are unique and unpredictable for every encryption cycle. The fix should incorporate proper key management practices and ensure that all encryption functions use randomized IVs that are at least as long as the block size of the encryption algorithm. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough audits of their audit event databases to identify and remediate any other potential cryptographic weaknesses in their systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following cryptographic best practices and adhering to standards such as NIST SP 800-38A for proper block cipher mode implementations.