CVE-2006-1378: PasswordSafe 3.0 beta, when running on Windows before XP, uses a weak random number generator (C++ rand functi

Routine

MEDIUM 4.9DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-1378 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.9) affecting password safe. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PasswordSafe 3.0 beta, when running on Windows before XP, uses a weak random number generator (C++ rand function) during generation of the database encryption key, which makes it easier for attackers to decrypt the database and steal passwords by generating keys for all possible rand() seed values and conducting a known plaintext attack.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.9 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 74%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-03-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: counterpane

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-03-24 02:02 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:22 UTCUpdated Record last modified

counterpane password safe DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy password-safe || rpm -q password-safe || password-safe --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison password-safe sudo apt install password-safe=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0> sudo apt-mark hold password-safe

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list password-safe sudo dnf downgrade password-safe-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add password-safe

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2006-1378?

password safe: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2006-1378 being exploited?

CVE-2006-1378 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2006-1378 affect?

CVE-2006-1378 affects password safe. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.9). PasswordSafe 3.0 beta, when running on Windows before XP, uses a weak random number generator (C++ rand function) during generation of the database encryption key, which makes it easier for attackers to decrypt the database and steal passwo

How urgent is CVE-2006-1378?

Priority 29/100. Public exploit reference

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2010-5196 MEDIUM 6.9 UPGRADE Untrusted search path vulnerability in KeePass Password Safe before 2.13 allows local users to gain privileges

References

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