CVE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2021-26091

Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG)

Published: Mar 24, 2025 | Modified: Mar 24, 2025
CVSS 3.x
N/A
Source:
NVD
CVSS 2.x
RedHat/V2
RedHat/V3
Ubuntu

A use of a cryptographically weak pseudo-random number generator vulnerability in the authenticator of the Identity Based Encryption service of FortiMail 6.4.0 through 6.4.4, and 6.2.0 through 6.2.7 may allow an unauthenticated attacker to infer parts of users authentication tokens and reset their credentials.

Weakness

The product uses a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in a security context, but the PRNG’s algorithm is not cryptographically strong.

Extended Description

When a non-cryptographic PRNG is used in a cryptographic context, it can expose the cryptography to certain types of attacks. Often a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is not designed for cryptography. Sometimes a mediocre source of randomness is sufficient or preferable for algorithms that use random numbers. Weak generators generally take less processing power and/or do not use the precious, finite, entropy sources on a system. While such PRNGs might have very useful features, these same features could be used to break the cryptography.

Potential Mitigations

References