CVE-2023-48238

7.5 HIGH
Published: November 17, 2023 Modified: June 09, 2026
View on NVD

Description

joaquimserafim/json-web-token is a javascript library use to interact with JSON Web Tokens (JWT) which are a compact URL-safe means of representing claims to be transferred between two parties. Versions prior to 4.0.0 are vulnerable to a JWT algorithm confusion attack. On line 86 of the 'index.js' file, the algorithm to use for verifying the signature of the JWT token is taken from the JWT token, which at that point is still unverified and thus shouldn't be trusted. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to craft a malicious JWT token containing the HS256 algorithm, signed with the public RSA key of the victim application. This attack will only work against this library is the RS256 algorithm is in use, however it is a best practice to use that algorithm. Version 4.0.0 fixes the issue.

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CVSS v3.x Details

0.0 Low Medium High Critical 10.0
Vector String
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools

Patch Vendor Advisory Exploit Third Party Advisory

3 reference(s) from NVD

Quick Stats

CVSS v3 Score
7.5 / 10.0
EPSS (Exploit Probability)
0.3%
22th percentile
Exploitation Status
Not in CISA KEV

Weaknesses (CWE)

Affected Vendors

joaquimserafim