Vendure vulnerable to timing attack that enables user enumeration in NativeAuthenticationStrategy
Summary
The NativeAuthenticationStrategy.authenticate() method is vulnerable to a timing attack that allows attackers to enumerate valid usernames (email addresses).
Details
In packages/core/src/config/auth/native-authentication-strategy.ts, the authenticate method returns immediately if a user is not found:
const user = await this.userService.getUserByEmailAddress(ctx, data.username);
if (!user) {
return false; // Instant return (~1-5ms)
}
const passwordMatch = await this.verifyUserPassword(ctx, user.id, data.password);
// Password check takes ~200-400ms with bcrypt (12 rounds)
The significant timing difference (~200-400ms for bcrypt vs ~1-5ms for DB miss) allows attackers to reliably distinguish between existing and non-existing accounts.
Impact
- Attackers can enumerate valid user accounts
- Enables targeted brute-force or phishing attacks
- Information disclosure (account existence)
Recommended Fix
Perform a dummy bcrypt check when user is not found to ensure consistent response times.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | @vendure/core | < 3.5.3 | 3.5.3 |
References
- https://github.com/vendurehq/vendure/security/advisories/GHSA-6f65-4fv2-wwch
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-25050
- https://github.com/vendurehq/vendure/commit/7f0c5556ecddb44a5d5208677a45fdd5923b0cc9
- https://github.com/vendurehq/vendure
- https://github.com/vendurehq/vendure/releases/tag/v3.5.3
- CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-202- Platform
- npm
- Package
@vendure/core- Disclosed
- 30.01.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-6f65-4fv2-wwch - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: @vendure/core
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 7
- First → latest
- 07.2023 09.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 2
- High 1
- Medium 2
- Low 2
Disclosures per year
- 2023: 2
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 5
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Vendure vulnerable to timing attack that enables user enumeration in NativeAuthenticationStrategy this entry
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