Protobuf Maven Plugin protocDigest is ignored when using protoc from PATH
Key facts
- Attack vector
- —
- Privileges required
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- User interaction
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- Attack complexity
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- Impact type
- Security bypass
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- —
- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub. Impact type from CWE-693.
Summary
### Summary The expected `protocDigest` is ignored when protoc is taken from the `PATH`. ### Details The documentation for the `protocDigest` parameter says: > ... Users may wish to specify this if using a `PATH`-based binary ... However, when specifying `<protoc>PATH</protoc>` the `protocDigest` is not actually checked because the code returns here already https://github.com/ascopes/protobuf-maven-plugin/blob/59097aae8062c461129a13dcda2f4116b90a8765/protobuf-maven-plugin/src/main/java/io/github/ascopes/protobufmavenplugin/protoc/ProtocResolver.java#L91-L93 before the digest check: https://github.com/ascopes/protobuf-maven-plugin/blob/59097aae8062c461129a13dcda2f4116b90a8765/protobuf-maven-plugin/src/main/java/io/github/ascopes/protobufmavenplugin/protoc/ProtocResolver.java#L106 ### PoC Specify: ```xml <protoc>PATH</protoc> <protocDigest>sha256:0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000</protocDigest> ``` And notice how the `protoc` on the `PATH` is not rejected, despite a digest mismatch. ### Impact Users who have an untrusted `protoc` executable on their `PATH` and rely `<protocDigest>` as protection are affected.
Why it matters now
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | io.github.ascopes:protobuf-maven-plugin (Maven) | 4.0.0 to before 4.0.2 | 4.0.2 | Patch available | GHSA-j2pc-v64r-mv4f |
| — | io.github.ascopes:protobuf-maven-plugin (Maven) | before 3.10.2 | 3.10.2 | Patch available | GHSA-j2pc-v64r-mv4f |
- io.github.ascopes:protobuf-maven-plugin (Maven) Vendor— Affected 4.0.0 to before 4.0.2 Fixed in 4.0.2 Patch available GHSA-j2pc-v64r-mv4f
- io.github.ascopes:protobuf-maven-plugin (Maven) Vendor— Affected before 3.10.2 Fixed in 3.10.2 Patch available GHSA-j2pc-v64r-mv4f
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-j2pc-v64r-mv4f io.github.ascopes:protobuf-maven-plugin (Maven) Fixed in 4.0.2 Advisory →
- Fix · GHSA-j2pc-v64r-mv4f io.github.ascopes:protobuf-maven-plugin (Maven) Fixed in 3.10.2 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-j2pc-v64r-mv4f
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences