Entropy Backdoor in text-qrcode
All versions of text-qrcode contain malicious code that overwrites the randomBytes method for the crypto module with a function that generates weak entropy. Instead of generating 32 bytes, the infected randomBytes will generate 3 bytes of entropy and hash them, resulting in a 32 byte value being returned, but one that is easily guessable.
Recommendation
Uninstall text-qrcode immediately. If the module was used to generate entropy that is load bearing, all such instances of generated entropy must be replaced. This includes things like bitcoin wallets, private keys, encrypted messages, etc.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | text-qrcode | >= 0.0.0 | no fix |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-506- Platform
- npm
- Package
text-qrcode- Disclosed
- 01.09.2020
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-h5vj-f7r9-w564 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: text-qrcode
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
This is the only known vulnerability of this package.
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