curl's websocket code did not update the 32 bit mask pattern for each new
outgoing frame as the specification says. Instead it used a fixed mask that
persisted and was used throughout the entire connection.
A predictable mask pattern allows for a malicious server to induce traffic
between the two communicating parties that could be interpreted by an involved
proxy (configured or transparent) as genuine, real, HTTP traffic with content
and thereby poison its cache. That cached poisoned content could then be
served to all users of that proxy.
CVSS Score
5.3
EPSS Score
0.005
Published
2025-09-12
Due to a mistake in libcurl's WebSocket code, a malicious server can send a
particularly crafted packet which makes libcurl get trapped in an endless
busy-loop.
There is no other way for the application to escape or exit this loop other
than killing the thread/process.
This might be used to DoS libcurl-using application.
CVSS Score
7.5
EPSS Score
0.012
Published
2025-06-07
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