The example code for the digest authentication functionality (http_authentication.rb) in…
Priority MEDIUM 48CWE-287Published · Updated
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Security bypass
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · NVD. Fix status from CNA and GitHub. Impact type from CWE-287.
Summary
The example code for the digest authentication functionality (http_authentication.rb) in Ruby on Rails before 2.3.3 defines an authenticate_or_request_with_http_digest block that returns nil instead of false when the user does not exist, which allows context-dependent attackers to bypass authentication for applications that are derived from this example by sending an invalid username without a password.
Why it matters now
EPSS 0.03377 88th percentileScored 2026-11-07
Public exploit Yes 1 exploit referenceTagged by NVD
Fix Fixed rails (RubyGems): 2.3.3
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | all versions | — | No fix listed | CNA |
| — | rails (RubyGems) | before 2.3.3 | 2.3.3 | Patch available | GHSA-rxq3-gm4p-5fj4 |
- — Vendor— Affected all versions Fixed in — No fix listed CNA
- rails (RubyGems) Vendor— Affected before 2.3.3 Fixed in 2.3.3 Patch available GHSA-rxq3-gm4p-5fj4
CPE configurations NVD · 5
| CPE | Versions | Role | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
| cpe:2.3:a:rubyonrails:ruby_on_rails:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | before 2.3.3 | Vulnerable | Rails |
| cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | 10.6.0 to before 10.6.3 | Vulnerable | Apple |
| cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:10.5.8:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | 10.5.8 | Vulnerable | Apple |
| cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x_server:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | 10.6.0 to before 10.6.3 | Vulnerable | Apple |
| cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x_server:10.5.8:*:*:*:*:*:*:* | 10.5.8 | Vulnerable | Apple |
- cpe:2.3:a:rubyonrails:ruby_on_rails:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions before 2.3.3 Vulnerable ·Rails
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 10.6.0 to before 10.6.3 Vulnerable ·Apple
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:10.5.8:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 10.5.8 Vulnerable ·Apple
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x_server:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 10.6.0 to before 10.6.3 Vulnerable ·Apple
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x_server:10.5.8:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 10.5.8 Vulnerable ·Apple
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-rxq3-gm4p-5fj4 rails (RubyGems) Fixed in 2.3.3 Advisory →
Vendor assessments
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2009-2422
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-rxq3-gm4p-5fj4
References
Patch 2
Advisory 3
Sources
- CVE-2009-2422 · CVE Program
- CVE-2009-2422 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-rxq3-gm4p-5fj4 · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
- CVE-2009-2422 · Red Hat security data · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences