CVE-2025-54471 in neuvector
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2025
NeuVector used a hard-coded cryptographic key embedded in the source code. At compilation time, the key value was replaced with the secret key value and used to encrypt sensitive configurations when NeuVector stores the data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cryptographic flaw in NeuVector's software implementation where a hard-coded encryption key was embedded directly into the source code at compilation time. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of cryptographic materials within the application's build process, creating a scenario where sensitive configuration data is encrypted using a predetermined key that remains static across all deployments. This approach fundamentally violates security best practices for cryptographic key management and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and secure key handling as outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 and CWE-327. The hard-coded key serves as a backdoor that allows any individual with access to the compiled binary to decrypt all sensitive configurations that were encrypted using this specific key, effectively nullifying the encryption protection mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple cryptographic weakness, creating a significant attack surface that could enable adversaries to access sensitive system configurations, credentials, and other protected data. When NeuVector encrypts sensitive configurations during storage, all such data becomes potentially accessible to attackers who can extract the hard-coded key from the compiled binary and subsequently decrypt all stored information. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for Unsecured Credentials and T1552.004 for Credentials in Files, as it provides attackers with the means to extract and utilize cryptographic keys that should remain secret. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects the core security functionality of the application, transforming a protective mechanism into a point of compromise that undermines the entire security posture of systems relying on NeuVector's configuration management.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise since the key is readily available within the compiled binary, making it an attractive target for attackers at all skill levels. Security researchers can easily extract the key using standard binary analysis tools and then apply it to decrypt all sensitive configurations stored by NeuVector, potentially exposing network policies, user credentials, and other critical operational data. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure software development practices and violates the principle of defense in depth, as the cryptographic protection is rendered ineffective due to the key's exposure. Organizations using NeuVector are essentially providing attackers with a decryption key that unlocks all sensitive data that should remain protected, creating a persistent security risk that cannot be mitigated through standard operational security measures. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the application's core functionality rather than just a peripheral feature, making it a critical concern for any organization relying on NeuVector for container security management. Mitigation efforts must focus on immediate remediation through code recompilation with properly managed cryptographic keys, while also implementing proper key rotation mechanisms and secure key storage practices to prevent similar issues in future deployments.