CVE-2022-23541

What it is

jsonwebtoken is an implementation of JSON Web Tokens. Versions `<= 8.5.1` of `jsonwebtoken` library can be misconfigured so that passing a poorly implemented key retrieval function referring to the `secretOrPublicKey` argument from the readme link will result in incorrect verification of tokens. There is a possibility of using a different algorithm and key combination in verification, other than the one that was used to sign the tokens. Specifically, tokens signed with an asymmetric public key could be verified with a symmetric HS256 algorithm. This can lead to successful validation of forged tokens. If your application is supporting usage of both symmetric key and asymmetric key in jwt.verify() implementation with the same key retrieval function. This issue has been patched, please update to version 9.0.0.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.8% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2022-12-22 18:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:30 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.8% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.0 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2022-12-22 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:30 UTC

Exploit probability

0.8% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-287 · Improper authentication

Record status

Modified

Affected

• auth0 Jsonwebtoken ≤ 8.5.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.0

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

Low

Availability

Low

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2022-23541.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2022-23541. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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