CVE-2020-15957 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An issue was discovered in DP3T-Backend-SDK before 1.1.1 for Decentralised Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (DP3T). When it is configured to check JWT before uploading/publishing keys, it is possible to skip the signature check by providing a JWT token with alg=none.

Understanding CVE-2020-15957

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the DP3T-Backend-SDK that could allow skipping the signature check when a specific JWT token is provided.

What is CVE-2020-15957?

CVE-2020-15957 is a security vulnerability found in the DP3T-Backend-SDK that enables bypassing the signature check by using a JWT token with alg=none.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15957

The vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of data within the Decentralised Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15957

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in DP3T-Backend-SDK before version 1.1.1 allows an attacker to avoid the signature check by providing a JWT token with alg=none.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions before 1.1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

By submitting a JWT token with alg=none, an attacker can exploit the vulnerability to bypass the signature check.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-15957 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 1.1.1 or later of DP3T-Backend-SDK to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement additional security measures to validate JWT tokens effectively.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components to the latest secure versions.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patching and updates of the DP3T-Backend-SDK to address security issues and prevent exploitation.