CVE-2025-25201

What it is

Nitrokey 3 Firmware is the the firmware of Nitrokey 3 USB keys. For release 1.8.0, and test releases with PIV enabled prior to 1.8.0, the PIV application could accept invalid keys for authentication of the admin key. This could lead to compromise of the integrity of the data stored in the application. An attacker without access to the proper administration key would be able to generate new keys and overwrite certificates. Such an attacker would not be able to read-out or extract existing private data, nor would they be able to gain access to cryptographic operations that would normally require PIN-based authentication. The issue is fixed in piv-authenticator 0.3.9, and in Nitrokey's firmware 1.8.1.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2025-02-12 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 09:00 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2025-02-12 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 09:00 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-287 · Improper authentication

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.0

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Low

Availability

None