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How the mentioned CVE works:
Apache Syncope allows configuration to store user passwords in its internal database using AES encryption, a non-default setting. The vulnerability exists because the AES encryption key is hard-coded directly within the application’s source code. This static, default key is used for all encryption operations when this feature is enabled. Consequently, any attacker who gains access to the internal database, for instance through a separate SQL injection flaw or database exposure, can extract the encrypted passwords. Using the publicly discoverable hard-coded key, the attacker can then decrypt all captured password values to their original plaintext form. This completely negates the security benefit of storing passwords in an encrypted state. The vulnerability does not affect other encrypted attributes.
Platform: Apache Syncope
Version: >=4.0.0,<4.0.3 <3.0.15
Vulnerability : Hard-coded Key
Severity: High
date: 2025-11-24
Prediction: 2025-12-01
What Undercode Say:
grep -r "AES" syncope-core/src/main/java/
// Example of a hard-coded key (illustrative)
private static final byte[] KEY = "DEFAULT_SYNAPSE_KEY".getBytes();
Cipher cipher = Cipher.getInstance("AES");
cipher.init(Cipher.ENCRYPT_MODE, new SecretKeySpec(KEY, "AES"));
How Exploit:
- Extract encrypted passwords from the Syncope internal database (e.g.,
SELECT password FROM syncope_user;). - Locate the hard-coded AES key within the application’s decompiled source code.
- Use the key to decrypt the obtained ciphertexts offline, revealing plaintext passwords.
Protection from this CVE:
Upgrade to versions 3.0.15 or 4.0.3. If unable to patch immediately, avoid using the internal storage with AES encryption for passwords. Ensure the database itself is securely configured and access is restricted.
Impact:
Disclosure of plaintext user passwords, potentially leading to account takeover and lateral movement within affected systems.
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Sources:
Reported By: github.com
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
