CVE-2023-46233

9.1 CRITICAL 0.6% exploit odds Fix listed Crypto Library

What it is

crypto-js is a JavaScript library of crypto standards. Prior to version 4.2.0, crypto-js PBKDF2 is 1,000 times weaker than originally specified in 1993, and at least 1,300,000 times weaker than current industry standard. This is because it both defaults to SHA1, a cryptographic hash algorithm considered insecure since at least 2005, and defaults to one single iteration, a 'strength' or 'difficulty' value specified at 1,000 when specified in 1993. PBKDF2 relies on iteration count as a countermeasure to preimage and collision attacks. If used to protect passwords, the impact is high. If used to generate signatures, the impact is high. Version 4.2.0 contains a patch for this issue. As a workaround, configure crypto-js to use SHA256 with at least 250,000 iterations.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.
Exploit odds: 0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2023-10-25 21:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-23 18:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 9.1 CRITICAL (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2023-10-25 21:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-23 18:17 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-328
Record status: Modified

Affected

crypto-js Project crypto-js < 4.2.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.1

Attack vector: Network
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: None
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: High
Availability: None

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

Is it in your code?

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record