CVE-2024-58041 in Smolder
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2026
Smolder versions through 1.51 for Perl uses insecure rand() function for cryptographic functions.
Smolder 1.51 and earlier for Perl uses the rand() function as the default source of entropy, which is not cryptographically secure, for cryptographic functions.
Specifically Smolder::DB::Developer uses the Data::Random library which specifically states that it is "Useful mostly for test programs". Data::Random uses the rand() function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2026
CVE-2024-58041 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in Smolder versions 1.51 and earlier, where the application employs the insecure rand() function for cryptographic operations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-330 category of "Use of Insufficiently Random Values" and directly violates the principle of secure random number generation as outlined in NIST SP 800-90A. The flaw manifests when Smolder::DB::Developer component utilizes the Data::Random library, which explicitly warns that its functionality is "Useful mostly for test programs" and should not be used in production environments requiring security guarantees. The rand() function in perl generates pseudo-random numbers using a simple linear congruential generator that is entirely predictable and unsuitable for cryptographic purposes, making it vulnerable to attacks that exploit predictable sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple randomness issues, as it fundamentally undermines the security of cryptographic operations within Smolder's database developer functionality. Attackers could potentially predict the output of random number generators used for session management, authentication tokens, or other security-critical components, leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or unauthorized access to sensitive data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique under T1552.001 "Unsecured Credentials" and T1078.004 "Valid Accounts" since compromised random number generation can lead to credential exposure and account takeover scenarios. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core database developer component, which likely handles sensitive user information and authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-58041 require immediate upgrading to Smolder version 1.52 or later, which addresses the cryptographic entropy issue by replacing the insecure rand() function with cryptographically secure alternatives. Organizations should also implement proper entropy sources such as /dev/urandom on Unix-like systems or CryptGenRandom on Windows platforms to ensure sufficient randomness for cryptographic operations. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all applications using the Data::Random library to identify similar vulnerabilities, and implement continuous monitoring for predictable random number usage patterns. The fix aligns with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten 2021 under A02:2021 "Cryptographic Failures" and should be prioritized as a critical security patch in all production environments. Additionally, developers should be educated on the proper use of cryptographic libraries and the importance of avoiding pseudo-random number generators in security-sensitive contexts, as this vulnerability demonstrates the severe consequences of using inappropriate entropy sources in cryptographic implementations.