CVE-2025-53884: 
Wolfi vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-53884 is a security vulnerability discovered in NeuVector that affects versions 5.0.0 through 5.4.6. The vulnerability stems from NeuVector's implementation of password and API key storage using simple, unsalted hash mechanisms. This insecure cryptographic practice was identified and disclosed, with a patch being released in version 5.4.6 (GitHub Advisory).

The vulnerability involves the storage of user passwords and API keys using a simple, unsalted hash mechanism, making it susceptible to rainbow table attacks. A rainbow table attack is an offline attack method where hashes of known passwords are precomputed to crack the stored password hashes. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.3 (Moderate), with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N, indicating network accessibility with low attack complexity and no required privileges or user interaction (GitHub Advisory).

The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential exposure of user credentials and API keys. An attacker who gains access to the stored hashes could potentially recover the original passwords using rainbow table attacks, leading to unauthorized access to user accounts and API functions (GitHub Advisory).

The vulnerability has been patched in NeuVector version 5.4.6. The fix implements a cryptographically secure, random 16-character salt used with the PBKDF2 algorithm for creating hash values for user passwords and API keys. After upgrading to version 5.4.6, users must log in again to regenerate their password hash, and at least one request must be sent per API key to regenerate its hash value. There are no workarounds available; upgrading to a patched version is the only solution (GitHub Advisory).