Overview
This article details CVE-2025-60794, a vulnerability discovered in couch-auth version 0.21.2. This security flaw exposes sensitive data, including session tokens and passwords, due to insecure memory management within the JavaScript codebase. Failure to properly clear sensitive data from memory creates a window of opportunity for attackers to extract this information, potentially leading to session hijacking and other malicious activities.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from the way couch-auth handles session tokens and passwords in the src/user.ts file, specifically lines 700-707. Instead of securely storing or clearing these sensitive data points after use, they are stored within JavaScript objects that remain in memory. This means the data persists until the garbage collector reclaims the memory, creating a significant risk.
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability through various methods, including:
- Memory Dumps: Gaining access to a memory dump of the application could reveal the stored session tokens and passwords.
- Debugging Tools: Using debugging tools attached to a running instance of the application could allow for direct inspection of the memory and extraction of sensitive data.
- Memory Access Techniques: Exploiting other vulnerabilities to directly access the application’s memory space.
CVSS Analysis
Currently, a CVSS score is not available (N/A) for CVE-2025-60794. However, the severity is considered to be significant due to the potential for session hijacking and unauthorized access. A formal CVSS score will likely be assigned upon further analysis and assessment of the exploitability and impact.
Possible Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-60794 could be severe, potentially leading to:
- Session Hijacking: Attackers could steal active user sessions, gaining unauthorized access to user accounts and data.
- Data Breach: Exposed passwords could be used to access other accounts if users re-use passwords across different services.
- Reputational Damage: The exposure of sensitive data could severely damage the reputation of the application and the organization using it.
- Compromised Systems: Gaining access through session hijacking could allow attackers to pivot and compromise other systems within the network.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2025-60794, the following steps are recommended:
- Upgrade to a patched version: Check the couch-auth npm package for an updated version that addresses this vulnerability. Monitor the repository for updates.
- Implement Secure Coding Practices: Ensure that all sensitive data, including session tokens and passwords, are securely handled and cleared from memory immediately after use. Utilize techniques like overwriting memory with zeros or using more secure storage mechanisms like cryptographic keychains/vaults.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your application.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement a WAF to detect and block malicious requests that attempt to exploit vulnerabilities.
References
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-60794 (Link to CVE, if available, once the record is published)
- couch-auth Repository: https://github.com/perfood/couch-auth
- Security Advisory: https://github.com/pr0wl1ng/security-advisories/blob/main/CVE-2025-60794.md
- npm Package: https://www.npmjs.com/package/@perfood/couch-auth
