Hardcoded JWT Secrets in OpenSSL Encrypt Config

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves hardcoded default JWT signing secrets in the openssl_encrypt package versions before 1.4.0. The config.py file contains two default secrets with publicly known values that meet length requirements but lack randomization. Attackers with source code access can forge valid JWT tokens to gain unauthorized access to keyserver and telemetry APIs.

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Detection Guidance

Check for the presence of hardcoded JWT secrets in config.py of openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0. Look for default secrets like keyserver_token_secret and telemetry_token_secret with known values. Search for these strings in your codebase or configuration files.

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Impact Analysis

Attackers can forge JWT tokens to impersonate legitimate users and gain authenticated access to sensitive APIs like keyserver and telemetry. This could lead to unauthorized data access, manipulation, or service disruption if the affected APIs handle critical functions or sensitive information.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability likely violates compliance requirements for data protection and access control. GDPR mandates strong authentication and protection of personal data, while HIPAA requires safeguards for protected health information. Unauthorized API access could lead to data breaches and non-compliance penalties.

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Mitigation Strategies

1. Upgrade to a patched version if available. 2. Remove hardcoded default secrets and generate unique random secrets on first startup. 3. Implement strict validation to reject known default values. 4. Rotate all JWT secrets immediately if the system is affected.

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