CVE-2025-9231
Description
A flaw was found in the OpenSSL SM2 algorithm implementation on 64-bit ARM platforms. This vulnerability allows recovery of the private key via timing side-channel analysis during signature computations.
Statement
The vulnerability was rated as Moderate because, while it could enable recovery of private keys through timing side-channel analysis on 64-bit ARM platforms, successful exploitation requires high-precision timing measurements and a specialized attack setup. OpenSSL does not natively support SM2 certificates in TLS, limiting the exposure in common use cases. The issue only becomes relevant in custom provider contexts where SM2 is enabled, further reducing the likelihood of widespread impact. Therefore, although the confidentiality impact is high if exploited, the practical attack complexity and limited applicability justify a Moderate severity rating.
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).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 5.9 | N/A | 6.5 |
| 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 | Low |
| Integrity Impact | None | N/A | None |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | Low |
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:L/I:N/A:L
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality,Access Control
Technical Impact: Read Application Data; Bypass Protection Mechanism
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