CVE-2020-36843: Ed25519 Signature Malleability in ed25519-java

Affected Package: net.i2p.crypto:eddsa (Click to see all vulnerabilities of this package)

Summary

13/03/2025

N/A

4.3

CVSS Score

Background

The affected package, ed25519-java, is a Java implementation of the EdDSA (Edwards-Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) used for creating digital signatures. It is widely utilized in cryptographic applications due to its efficiency and security features. However, versions up to 0.3.0 are susceptible to a signature malleability issue, which compromises the integrity of the signatures generated.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from a missing scalar range check in the EdDSA implementation. This flaw allows attackers to generate new valid signatures that differ from previously generated signatures for the same message. As a result, the implementation does not meet the SUF-CMA (Strong Existential Unforgeability under Chosen Message Attacks) property, potentially enabling malicious actors to exploit this weakness in various applications relying on digital signatures.

Workaround

As a temporary measure, avoid using the affected versions of the ed25519-java package until an update can be applied. Consider implementing additional validation checks in your application to mitigate the risk of signature malleability.

Conclusion

The Ed25519 signature malleability vulnerability in ed25519-java poses a significant risk to applications relying on digital signatures. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to ensure the integrity and security of your cryptographic operations. For a thorough exploration and assistance in countering such issues, consult the Vulert Vulnerability Database.

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FAQ

Ed25519 is a public-key signature system that offers high performance and security, widely used in cryptographic applications.

Signature malleability refers to the ability of an attacker to alter a valid signature in such a way that it remains valid for the same message.

You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing the pom.xml file. Visit vulert.com/abom to check your application without any signup.

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.3, indicating a moderate severity level.

If an immediate update is not possible, implement additional validation checks in your application to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Vulnerable Versions

How To Fix

To rectify this vulnerability, update the affected package to the patched version. For Maven users, modify your pom.xml to include the following dependency: <groupId>net.i2p.crypto</groupId><artifactId>eddsa</artifactId>0.3.1. Ensure that you are using version 0.9.39 or later for the net.i2p:i2p package.

Background

The affected package, ed25519-java, is a Java implementation of the EdDSA (Edwards-Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) used for creating digital signatures. It is widely utilized in cryptographic applications due to its efficiency and security features. However, versions up to 0.3.0 are susceptible to a signature malleability issue, which compromises the integrity of the signatures generated.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from a missing scalar range check in the EdDSA implementation. This flaw allows attackers to generate new valid signatures that differ from previously generated signatures for the same message. As a result, the implementation does not meet the SUF-CMA (Strong Existential Unforgeability under Chosen Message Attacks) property, potentially enabling malicious actors to exploit this weakness in various applications relying on digital signatures.

Workaround

As a temporary measure, avoid using the affected versions of the ed25519-java package until an update can be applied. Consider implementing additional validation checks in your application to mitigate the risk of signature malleability.

Conclusion

The Ed25519 signature malleability vulnerability in ed25519-java poses a significant risk to applications relying on digital signatures. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to ensure the integrity and security of your cryptographic operations. For a thorough exploration and assistance in countering such issues, consult the Vulert Vulnerability Database.

Share Now On

FAQ

Ed25519 is a public-key signature system that offers high performance and security, widely used in cryptographic applications.

Signature malleability refers to the ability of an attacker to alter a valid signature in such a way that it remains valid for the same message.

You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing the pom.xml file. Visit vulert.com/abom to check your application without any signup.

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.3, indicating a moderate severity level.

If an immediate update is not possible, implement additional validation checks in your application to reduce the risk of exploitation.