CVE-2025-29774 in xml-crypto
Summary
by MITRE • 03/14/2025
xml-crypto is an XML digital signature and encryption library for Node.js. An attacker may be able to exploit a vulnerability in versions prior to 6.0.1, 3.2.1, and 2.1.6 to bypass authentication or authorization mechanisms in systems that rely on xml-crypto for verifying signed XML documents. The vulnerability allows an attacker to modify a valid signed XML message in a way that still passes signature verification checks. For example, it could be used to alter critical identity or access control attributes, enabling an attacker with a valid account to escalate privileges or impersonate another user. Users of versions 6.0.0 and prior should upgrade to version 6.0.1 to receive a fix. Those who are still using v2.x or v3.x should upgrade to patched versions 2.1.6 or 3.2.1, respectively.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
The xml-crypto library represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-29774 that affects XML digital signature verification processes in Node.js applications. This vulnerability resides within the cryptographic verification mechanisms that systems rely upon to ensure the integrity and authenticity of XML documents containing sensitive data such as user credentials, access control attributes, and identity information. The flaw specifically impacts versions prior to 6.0.1, 3.2.1, and 2.1.6, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate signed XML documents while maintaining their apparent validity. The vulnerability operates at the core of XML signature validation logic, where attackers can craft modifications to signed documents that bypass verification checks, effectively undermining the fundamental security guarantees that digital signatures are designed to provide.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of XML signature structures during the verification process, allowing for malicious modifications to persist undetected within the signed document. This weakness enables what security researchers classify as a signature forgery attack pattern that aligns with CWE-347, which addresses improper certificate validation and certificate chain building. The flaw specifically targets the XML signature canonicalization and verification algorithms, where attackers can exploit implementation gaps to alter critical elements within the XML structure while preserving the signature's validity. This represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages XML processing inconsistencies rather than traditional cryptographic weaknesses, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-29774 extends beyond simple data integrity concerns to encompass serious authorization bypass scenarios that can compromise entire authentication systems. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate access control attributes within XML documents, enabling privilege escalation from legitimate users to administrative levels or impersonation of other users within the system. This capability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1550.001 for legitimate credentials and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as the attack leverages existing authenticated sessions to gain elevated privileges. Systems utilizing xml-crypto for security-critical operations such as single sign-on implementations, identity federation protocols, and access control management are particularly vulnerable, as the attack can be executed without requiring additional authentication factors or system compromises.
Organizations implementing xml-crypto in their security infrastructure must prioritize immediate remediation efforts to address this vulnerability across all affected versions. The recommended upgrade path involves moving to patched versions 6.0.1 for v6.x users, 3.2.1 for v3.x implementations, and 2.1.6 for v2.x deployments. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing affected versions of xml-crypto, particularly those handling sensitive identity or access control information. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for anomalous XML document modifications and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper XML security implementation and highlights the need for thorough validation of cryptographic libraries used in security-critical applications, as the impact extends beyond simple data corruption to encompass complete system compromise scenarios.