CVE-2025-69420: Missing ASN1_TYPE validation in TS_RESP_verify_response() function
Issue summary: A type confusion vulnerability exists in the TimeStamp Response verification code where an ASN1TYPE union member is accessed without first validating the type, causing an invalid or NULL pointer dereference when processing a malformed TimeStamp Response file.
Impact summary: An application calling TSRESPverifyresponse() with a malformed TimeStamp Response can be caused to dereference an invalid or NULL pointer when reading, resulting in a Denial of Service.
The functions osslessgetsigningcert() and osslessgetsigningcertv2() access the signing cert attribute value without validating its type. When the type is not VASN1SEQUENCE, this results in accessing invalid memory through the ASN1TYPE union, causing a crash.
Exploiting this vulnerability requires an attacker to provide a malformed TimeStamp Response to an application that verifies timestamp responses. The TimeStamp protocol (RFC 3161) is not widely used and the impact of the exploit is just a Denial of Service. For these reasons the issue was assessed as Low severity.
The FIPS modules in 3.5, 3.4, 3.3 and 3.0 are not affected by this issue, as the TimeStamp Response implementation is outside the OpenSSL FIPS module boundary.
OpenSSL 3.6, 3.5, 3.4, 3.3, 3.0 and 1.1.1 are vulnerable to this issue.
OpenSSL 1.0.2 is not affected by this issue.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
OpenSSLto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.1.1ze - Upgrade
Upgrade
OpenSSLto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.0.19 - Upgrade
Upgrade
OpenSSLto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.3.6 - Upgrade
Upgrade
OpenSSLto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.4.4 - Upgrade
Upgrade
OpenSSLto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.5.5 - Upgrade
Upgrade
OpenSSLto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.6.1
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-69420?
CVE-2025-69420 has a high severity rating due to the potential for a type confusion vulnerability that can lead to invalid pointer dereferences.
How do I fix CVE-2025-69420?
To mitigate CVE-2025-69420, upgrade to OpenSSL versions 1.1.1zf or later for the 1.1.1 series, and 3.0.6 or later for the 3.x series.
What causes CVE-2025-69420?
CVE-2025-69420 is caused by missing validation of ASN1_TYPE within the TS_RESP_verify_response() function.
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2025-69420?
CVE-2025-69420 affects OpenSSL versions between 1.1.1 and 1.1.1ze as well as versions between 3.0 and 3.6.
Is CVE-2025-69420 exploitable remotely?
Yes, CVE-2025-69420 can potentially be exploited remotely if an attacker is able to send specially crafted timestamp responses.