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How the CVE Works:
The vulnerability (CVE-2025-XXXX) in Hashicorp Vault’s `userpass` authentication method arises from a timing side-channel issue. When a login attempt is made, Vault processes valid and invalid usernames differently, resulting in measurable time discrepancies. Attackers can exploit this by analyzing response times to determine whether a username exists in the system. This allows for potential enumeration of valid usernames, weakening authentication security. The flaw affects multiple versions of Vault Community and Enterprise Editions before patches were applied in versions 1.20.1, 1.19.7, 1.18.12, and 1.16.23.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: Hashicorp Vault
Version: <1.20.1, <1.19.7, <1.18.12, <1.16.23
Vulnerability: Timing side-channel
Severity: Low
Date: Aug 1, 2025
Prediction: Patch expected by Aug 15, 2025
What Undercode Say:
Check Vault version
vault version
Simulate timing attack (example)
time curl -X POST -d '{"password":"test"}' http://vault-server/v1/auth/userpass/login/nonexistent_user
time curl -X POST -d '{"password":"test"}' http://vault-server/v1/auth/userpass/login/existing_user
How Exploit:
- Measure login attempt delays
- Compare response times
- Identify valid usernames
Protection from this CVE:
- Upgrade to patched versions
- Disable `userpass` if unused
- Implement rate-limiting
Impact:
- Username enumeration
- Weakens auth security
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Sources:
Reported By: github.com
Extra Source Hub:
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