CVE-2023-49290: lestrrat-go/jwx is a Go module implementing various JWx (JWA/JWE/JWK/JWS/JWT, otherwise known as JOSE) technol

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MEDIUM 5.3REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2023-49290 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting jwx. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

lestrrat-go/jwx is a Go module implementing various JWx (JWA/JWE/JWK/JWS/JWT, otherwise known as JOSE) technologies. A p2c parameter set too high in JWE's algorithm PBES2-* could lead to a denial of service. The JWE key management algorithms based on PBKDF2 require a JOSE Header Parameter called p2c (PBES2 Count). This parameter dictates the number of PBKDF2 iterations needed to derive a CEK wrapping key. Its primary purpose is to intentionally s

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 46%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-400
Published	2023-12-05
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: lestrrat-go

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-12-05 00:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:35 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lestrrat-go jwx UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.2.27 · >= 2.0.0 and < 2.0.18

Fixed in: 1.2.27, 2.0.18

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy jwx || rpm -q jwx || jwx --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.2.27 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade jwx

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade jwx

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison jwx sudo apt install jwx=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold jwx

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list jwx sudo dnf downgrade jwx-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add jwx

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-2023-49290?

jwx: upgrade to 1.2.27, 2.0.18. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-49290 being exploited?

CVE-2023-49290 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-2023-49290 affect?

CVE-2023-49290 affects jwx. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). lestrrat-go/jwx is a Go module implementing various JWx (JWA/JWE/JWK/JWS/JWT, otherwise known as JOSE) technologies. A p2c parameter set too high in JWE's algorithm PBES2-* could lead to a denial of service. The JWE key management algorithm

How urgent is CVE-2023-49290?

Priority 42/100. Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-28122 MEDIUM 6.8 UPGRADE JWX is Go module implementing various JWx (JWA/JWE/JWK/JWS/JWT, otherwise known as JOSE) technologies
CVE-2024-21664 MEDIUM 4.3 UPGRADE jwx is a Go module implementing various JWx (JWA/JWE/JWK/JWS/JWT, otherwise known as JOSE) technologies

References

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