CVE-2024-42460 in Elliptic Package
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2024
In the Elliptic package 6.5.6 for Node.js, ECDSA signature malleability occurs because there is a missing check for whether the leading bit of r and s is zero.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-42460 affects the Elliptic package version 6.5.6 in Node.js environments, specifically targeting ECDSA signature validation mechanisms. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of digital signatures generated using elliptic curve cryptography. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of signature components, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise the security of applications relying on this cryptographic library. The Elliptic package serves as a fundamental component in many Node.js applications for implementing elliptic curve operations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for the broader JavaScript ecosystem.
The technical flaw manifests in the missing validation check for the leading bit of the signature components r and s within ECDSA signatures. In properly implemented ECDSA signatures, both r and s values should adhere to specific format requirements where the leading bit indicates the sign of the value. When this check is omitted, attackers can manipulate signature values to create malleable signatures that are mathematically valid but semantically different from the original. This malleability allows for signature forgery attacks where malicious actors can transform a valid signature into another valid signature without access to the private key, effectively breaking the non-malleability property that is fundamental to digital signature security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple signature validation failures, as it creates opportunities for various attack scenarios that can compromise application security. Attackers could exploit this weakness to perform replay attacks, modify transaction data in blockchain applications, or bypass authentication mechanisms that rely on ECDSA signatures. The vulnerability affects any application using the Elliptic package for signature generation or verification, particularly those in financial services, identity management systems, and blockchain-based applications. The malleability aspect means that even if signatures are initially valid, they can be altered in transit or storage without detection, potentially leading to unauthorized transactions or access.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and improper implementation of cryptographic functions. The specific weakness lies in the improper implementation of signature validation, where the cryptographic library fails to enforce proper signature format requirements. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain under the T1552 technique category, specifically targeting credential access through signature manipulation. The attack surface is particularly broad given the widespread use of the Elliptic package in Node.js applications, making this vulnerability a significant concern for security teams managing multiple applications.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate package updates to versions that address the signature validation flaw, typically through patches that implement proper leading bit checks for both r and s components. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications using the affected package version and implement runtime monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing signature validation at multiple layers, including application-level checks and network-level signature verification, provides defense-in-depth protection. Security teams should also consider implementing signature binding mechanisms that prevent signature malleability by ensuring that signature values maintain their original form throughout the validation process, thereby preventing attackers from creating alternative valid signatures that could compromise system integrity.