A significant issue has been disclosed that affects multiple versions of the identity and access management platform.
The flaw stems from a hardcoded default encryption key used for password storage, allowing attackers with database access to recover plaintext passwords.
The vulnerability impacts Apache Syncope when configured to store user passwords in the internal database with AES encryption.
Apache Syncope Vulnerability
While this configuration option is not enabled by default, organizations that have specifically enabled this feature face a serious risk.
When AES encryption is active, the system relies on a hardcoded default key value embedded directly in the source code.
This design flaw means that any attacker gaining access to the internal database can easily reconstruct the original cleartext password values using the publicly known default encryption key.
The vulnerability does not affect encrypted plain attributes, which use a separate AES encryption mechanism and remain secure even in compromised scenarios.
ParameterDetailsCVE IDCVE-2025-65998Vulnerability TitleApache Syncope Hardcoded Encryption Key Allows Password RecoveryAffected ProductsApache Syncope (org.apache.syncope.core:syncope-core-spring)Vulnerability TypeUse of Hardcoded Cryptographic Key (CWE-798)ImpactConfidentiality Breach – Password RecoveryCVSS v3.1 Base Score7.5 (High) – Database Compromise
Organizations running these versions with AES password encryption enabled should prioritize immediate remediation. Apache Syncope has released patched versions addressing this vulnerability.
Users should upgrade to version 3.0.15 or 4.0.3, which completely fixes this issue. Administrators should first inventory their deployments to identify whether AES password encryption is currently enabled.
If enabled, upgrading to the patched versions is critical to prevent password compromise. This vulnerability has a significant severity rating due to its potential for widespread credential theft.
Any attacker with database access can leverage the hardcoded encryption key to decrypt stored passwords, potentially compromising all user accounts in affected systems.
This is particularly dangerous for organizations that manage large user populations or handle sensitive identity data.
Organizations using Apache Syncope should immediately review their encryption configuration and apply the latest security patches.
Security teams should also conduct password audits for users whose credentials may have been exposed during the vulnerable period.
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