CVE-2024-41948
mediumpriority · track · 20EPSS 0.003 · 21 %ileEUUSEPSS · scored 2026-10-26
biscuit-java is the java implementation of Biscuit, an authentication and authorization token for microservices architectures. Third-party blocks can be generated without transferring the whole token to the third-party authority. Instead, a ThirdPartyBlock request can be sent, providing only the necessary info to generate a third-party block and to sign it, which includes the public key of the previous block (used in the signature) and the public keys part of the token symbol table (for public key interning in datalog expressions). A third-part block request forged by a malicious user can trick the third-party authority into generating datalog trusting the wrong keypair. This vulnerability is fixed in 4.0.0.
cvss
Technical severity, 0–10. One row per scoring source.
base score 0–10 · higher = more severe · hover a vector to decode⚠ sources disagree · low–medium · 3–5
ssvc
A stakeholder decision — act, attend, or track — from exploitation and impact.
weaknesses
The CWE weakness classes this flaw belongs to.
affected products (3)
Products and version ranges known to be affected.
advisories (1)
Vendor and ecosystem advisories describing this.
- GHSA-5hcj-rwm6-xmw4biscuit-java vulnerable to public key confusion in third party block2024-07-31ghsa · osvUS
### Impact Tokens with third-party blocks containing trusted annotations generated through a third party block request. Due to implementation issues in biscuit-java, third party block support in published versions is inoperating. Nevertheless, to synchronize with other implementations, we publish this advisory and the related fix. ### Description Third-party blocks can be generated without transferring the whole token to the third-party authority. Instead, a `ThirdPartyBlock` request can be sent, providing only the necessary info to generate a third-party block and to sign it: the public key of the previous block (used in the signature) the public keys part of the token symbol table (for public key interning in datalog expressions) A third-part block request forged by a malicious user can trick the third-party authority into generating datalog trusting the wrong keypair. Consider the following example (nominal case) * Authority A emits the following token: `check if thirdparty("b") trusting ${pubkeyB}` * The well-behaving holder then generates a third-party block request based on the token and sends it to third-party authority B * Third-party B generates the following third-party block `thirdparty("b"); check if thirdparty("c") trusting ${pubkeyC}` * The token holder now must obtain a third-party block from third party C to be able to use the token Now, with a malicious user: * Authority A emits the following token: `check if thirdparty("b") trusting ${pubkeyB}` * The holder then attenuates the token with the following third party block `thirdparty("c")`, signed with a keypair pubkeyD, privkeyD) they generate * The holder then generates a third-party block request based on this token, but alter the `ThirdPartyBlockRequest` publicKeys field and replace pubkeyD with pubkeyC * Third-party B generates the following third-party block `thirdparty("b"); check if thirdparty("c") trusting ${pubkeyC}` * Due to the altered symbol table, the actual meaning of the block is `thirdparty("b"); check if thirdparty("c") trusting ${pubkeyD}` * The attacker can now use the token without obtaining a third-party block from C. ### Patches _Has the problem been patched? What versions should users upgrade to?_ ### Workarounds _Is there a way for users to fix or remediate the vulnerability without upgrading?_ ### References _Are there any links users can visit to find out more?_
also known as (3)
Other names and identifiers for this entity.
sources
Which sources assert this record, and when.
references (4)
External citations — patches, advisories, analysis.
- https://cxsecurity.com/cveshow/CVE-2024-41948/cnnvd
- https://github.com/biscuit-auth/biscuit-java/security/advisories/GHSA-5hcj-rwm6-xmw4cnnvd
- https://github.com/biscuit-auth/biscuit-java/security/advisories/GHSA-5hcj-rwm6-xmw4enisa_euvd
- https://github.com/biscuit-auth/biscuit-java/security/advisories/GHSA-5hcj-rwm6-xmw4Third Party Advisorynvd
Attackers weaponise vulnerabilities like this against internet-exposed services. See what is exposed on your perimeter with a free passive scan.
Free scan