CVE-2025-49506
Description
A flaw was found in Apache Portable Runtime Utility (apr-util). The apr_password_validate() function does not perform constant-time comparisons for hashes or passwords. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to conduct a timing attack, particularly on platforms without crypt() such as Windows, BeOS, NetWare, or Android. By observing the time differences in comparisons, an attacker could potentially deduce the content of sensitive information like password hashes.
Statement
This vulnerability is assessed as Low Impact due to significant practical exploitation barriers. While the theoretical outcome of a successful timing attack is hash disclosure (Confidentiality: High), isolating microsecond-level comparison differences over a network is rendered practically infeasible by unpredictable network latency, packet jitter, and server scheduling noise (Attack Complexity: High). Additionally, RHEL environments natively rely on the system crypt() implementation for standard password checks, bypassing the vulnerable non-constant-time fallback code path in standard deployment scenarios.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 5.9 | N/A | 7.5 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | High | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | None | N/A | None |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality,Access Control
Technical Impact: Read Application Data; Bypass Protection Mechanism
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