CVE-2025-6545 in pbkdf2
Summary
by MITRE • 06/23/2025
Improper Input Validation vulnerability in pbkdf2 allows Signature Spoofing by Improper Validation. This vulnerability is associated with program files lib/to-buffer.Js.
This issue affects pbkdf2: from 3.0.10 through 3.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
The CVE-2025-6545 vulnerability represents a critical improper input validation flaw within the pbkdf2 library that enables signature spoofing through malformed input validation. This vulnerability specifically impacts the lib/to-buffer.js program file and affects pbkdf2 versions ranging from 3.0.10 through 3.1.2. The issue stems from insufficient validation of input parameters during cryptographic operations, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate signature verification processes. This weakness falls under the CWE-20 category of improper input validation, which is a fundamental security concern that has been consistently identified as a leading cause of software vulnerabilities across multiple domains. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple input validation as it directly compromises the integrity of cryptographic signatures that rely on pbkdf2 for key derivation.
The technical flaw manifests when the pbkdf2 library processes input parameters without adequate sanitization or validation checks, allowing malicious actors to craft inputs that bypass normal signature verification procedures. This improper validation occurs during the to-buffer conversion process where the library fails to properly validate the length or content of input data before processing. The vulnerability creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can influence the cryptographic operations, potentially leading to forged signatures that appear legitimate to the system. This type of weakness is particularly dangerous in cryptographic contexts because it undermines the fundamental security guarantees that cryptographic systems are designed to provide. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through input validation bypass, as it allows attackers to manipulate system behavior in ways that should not be possible under normal operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any system that relies on pbkdf2 for password-based key derivation and signature verification. Organizations using affected versions of the library may experience unauthorized access to protected resources, data integrity compromise, and potential credential theft. The vulnerability's exploitation could enable attackers to forge digital signatures, bypass authentication mechanisms, or manipulate cryptographic operations that depend on pbkdf2 for secure key generation. This creates a cascading effect where systems that trust pbkdf2-based signatures may be compromised, potentially affecting entire security infrastructures that depend on these cryptographic operations. The vulnerability's scope extends across multiple applications and platforms that utilize Node.js environments where pbkdf2 is integrated, making it a widespread concern for security practitioners.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-6545 should prioritize immediate version updates to pbkdf2 versions that have addressed the input validation issues. Security teams should implement comprehensive monitoring for any suspicious signature verification activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes upgrading to pbkdf2 version 3.1.3 or later where the input validation has been properly implemented. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough code reviews of any applications that depend on pbkdf2 to ensure proper input sanitization and validation practices are in place. Implementing runtime input validation checks and cryptographic integrity verification mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection. Security controls should also include network monitoring for unusual signature validation patterns and regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation process should align with industry best practices for cryptographic security and follow the principles outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-57 for key management and cryptographic operations. Organizations must also consider the broader security implications of cryptographic vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive security testing procedures that include both static and dynamic analysis of cryptographic libraries.