CVE-2025-65945: auth0/node-jws improper HMAC signature verification vulnerability
Overview An improper signature verification vulnerability exists when using auth0/node-jws with the HS256 algorithm under specific conditions.
Am I Affected? You are affected by this vulnerability if you meet all of the following preconditions:
1. Application uses the auth0/node-jws implementation of JSON Web Signatures, versions <=3.2.2 || 4.0.0 2. Application uses the jws.createVerify() function for HMAC algorithms 3. Application uses user-provided data from the JSON Web Signature Protected Header or Payload in the HMAC secret lookup routines
You are NOT affected by this vulnerability if you meet any of the following preconditions: 1. Application uses the jws.verify() interface (note: auth0/node-jsonwebtoken users fall into this category and are therefore NOT affected by this vulnerability) 2. Application uses only asymmetric algorithms (e.g. RS256) 3. Application doesn’t use user-provided data from the JSON Web Signature Protected Header or Payload in the HMAC secret lookup routines
Fix Upgrade auth0/node-jws version to version 3.2.3 or 4.0.1
Acknowledgement Okta would like to thank Félix Charette for discovering this vulnerability.
Other sources
auth0/node-jws is a JSON Web Signature implementation for Node.js. In versions 3.2.2 and earlier and version 4.0.0, auth0/node-jws has an improper signature verification vulnerability when using the HS256 algorithm under specific conditions. Applications are affected when they use the jws.createVerify() function for HMAC algorithms and use user-provided data from the JSON Web Signature protected header or payload in HMAC secret lookup routines, which can allow attackers to bypass signature verification. This issue has been patched in versions 3.2.3 and 4.0.1.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-65945?
The severity of CVE-2025-65945 is classified as medium due to improper signature verification.
How do I fix CVE-2025-65945?
To fix CVE-2025-65945, update the jws package to version 4.0.1 or later.
Which versions of jws are affected by CVE-2025-65945?
CVE-2025-65945 affects jws versions 4.0.0 and all versions below 3.2.3.
What applications are impacted by CVE-2025-65945?
Applications using auth0/node-jws with the HS256 algorithm under specific conditions are impacted by CVE-2025-65945.
Is CVE-2025-65945 exploitable?
Yes, CVE-2025-65945 can be exploited if applications do not properly verify signatures with the affected versions of jws.