External risk intelligence

crypto-js Weak PBKDF2 Iterations Exposes Sensitive Data

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.1)

CVE-2023-46233

This is a vulnerability in a software development library (crypto-js) used by developers to build applications. It is not an end-user product, service, or network-accessible appliance. It resides within the application code or build-time dependencies, making it inherently local to the development or execution environment rather than a directly internet-facing service or interface.

Crypto Js Project Crypto Js

before 4.2.0

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This advisory details a critical vulnerability in the crypto-js JavaScript library, specifically affecting its PBKDF2 function. The weakness stems from using outdated and insecure cryptographic standards, making it significantly less robust than intended and potentially leading to compromised password protection or digital signatures if exploited. The primary concern is to confirm if this library is in use within our environment and, if so, to assess the potential exposure.

Weak password protection in a JavaScript library.
Potentially impacts data security and integrity.
Confirm library usage and assess exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability if they can influence the inputs used by a vulnerable application that relies on the crypto-js library for password protection or signature generation. By manipulating these inputs, an attacker could potentially weaken the cryptographic operations, leading to compromised data confidentiality or integrity.

Requires application dependency on vulnerable library.
Weakened cryptographic operations can be triggered.
High impact to password protection and signatures.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability affects applications that use the crypto-js library for password protection or signature generation. When improperly configured, the library's password-based key derivation function can be significantly weakened, making it easier for attackers to compromise sensitive information.

Compromised passwords or generated signatures.
Weak cryptographic implementation.
High impact to data confidentiality and integrity.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the crypto-js library impacts applications that use it for password protection or signature generation. Application owners and development teams are primarily responsible for assessing and remediating this issue. The first practical step is to identify all applications utilizing the affected library, confirm their business criticality and exposure, and then plan remediation based on risk.

Application owners should own remediation.
Verify library usage and exposure.
Plan risk-based updates or workarounds.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is crypto-js?

Crypto-js is a widely used JavaScript library that provides developers with standard cryptographic tools for web and server-side applications. It is often included in software projects to perform essential security tasks like hashing data, generating digital signatures, and deriving encryption keys from passwords using algorithms like PBKDF2.

How does CVE-2023-46233 impact password security?

This vulnerability, categorized under weaknesses like CWE-327 and CWE-916, exists because the library uses outdated defaults for its password-based key derivation function. By relying on a single iteration of the aging SHA1 hash algorithm, the function creates keys that are far easier to guess through brute-force attacks than modern standards allow, severely undermining the protection of passwords or signatures.

Does just having the library trigger this weakness?

No, simply having the library in your code does not automatically trigger the vulnerability. The security issue specifically arises when an application is configured to use the default settings of the PBKDF2 function. If the application manually specifies a modern hash algorithm and a high iteration count, it avoids this specific cryptographic weakness.

Why should I care about this library vulnerability?

You should care if your applications rely on this library to secure sensitive data. While Halo Surface Signal notes this is a developer-focused library rather than a network-accessible appliance, any application using the default, insecure settings becomes a target if an attacker gains access to the processed data or the ability to influence application inputs.

How do I start fixing this crypto-js issue?

The first step is to locate all software projects that include this library as a dependency. Once identified, evaluate the implementation to see if it relies on the flawed default settings. You should prioritize updating the library to version 4.2.0 or later, or manually reconfigure the PBKDF2 function to use a secure hash like SHA256 with at least 250,000 iterations.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.