xml-crypto is a popular XML digital signature and encryption library for Node.js, widely used by developers to create secure applications. A vulnerability in versions prior to 6..1, 3.2.1, and 2.1.6 called CVE-2025-29775 (https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-29775), has been discovered, allowing an attacker to bypass authentication or authorization mechanisms in systems that rely on xml-crypto for verifying signed XML documents.

Exploit Details

The vulnerability allows an attacker to modify a valid signed XML message in a way that still passes signature verification checks. For example, it could be used to alter critical identity or access control attributes, enabling an attacker to escalate privileges or impersonate another user. This can cause serious security implications for applications and systems utilizing xml-crypto.

The following pseudo code snippet demonstrates how an attacker could potentially modify the signed XML message:

// Original signed XML message
const signedXML = `
<Envelope>
  <SignedInfo>...Signature Information...</SignedInfo>
  <Signature>...Digital Signature...</Signature>
</Envelope>
`;

// Attacker modifies the signed XML message
const modifiedXML = `
<Envelope>
  <SignedInfo>...Modified Signature Information...</SignedInfo>
  <Signature>...Digital Signature...</Signature>
</Envelope>
`;

// Verify signature function still passes for the modified XML message
const result = xmlCrypto.verifySignature(modifiedXML);
if (result) {
  console.log('Signature is valid!');
} else {
  console.log('Signature is invalid!');
}

Mitigation

Users of versions 6.. and prior should immediately upgrade to version 6..1 to receive a fix. Those who are still using v2.x or v3.x should upgrade to the patched versions 2.1.6 or 3.2.1, respectively.

You can update your xml-crypto version by modifying your project's package.json file and updating the version as follows:

{
  "dependencies": {
    "xml-crypto": "6..1"
  }
}

Or, for users still on v2.x or v3.x

{
  "dependencies": {
    "xml-crypto": "2.1.6"
  }
}

Or

{
  "dependencies": {
    "xml-crypto": "3.2.1"
  }
}

After updating your package.json, make sure to run npm install or npm update for the changes to take effect.

- CVE page: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-29775
- GitHub Issue: https://github.com/yaronn/xml-crypto/issues/276

Conclusion

It is essential for developers using xml-crypto to be aware of the CVE-2025-29775 vulnerability and immediately update to the patched versions to ensure the security of their applications and systems. By following the recommendations provided in this post, you can successfully protect your applications from being exploited by malicious actors. Stay safe and keep your software up-to-date!

Timeline

Published on: 03/14/2025 18:15:32 UTC
Last modified on: 03/15/2025 21:15:35 UTC