simplesamlphp/saml2

CVE-2018-7644

CVE-2018-7644 is a high-severity security vulnerability in simplesamlphp/saml2 (composer), affecting versions < 1.10.5. It is fixed in 1.10.5, 2.3.7, 3.1.3.

Key facts
CVSS score
7.5
High
Attack vector
Network
Issuing authority
GitHub Advisory Database
Affected package
simplesamlphp/saml2
Fixed in
1.10.5, 2.3.7, 3.1.3
Disclosed
2018

Summary

The XmlSecLibs library as used in the saml2 library in SimpleSAMLphp before 1.15.3 incorrectly verifies signatures on SAML assertions, allowing a remote attacker to construct a crafted SAML assertion on behalf of an Identity Provider that would pass as cryptographically valid, thereby allowing them to impersonate a user from that Identity Provider, aka a key confusion issue.

Impact

Severity and exposure

CVE-2018-7644 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (High). The vector is network-reachable, no privileges required, and no user interaction. A CVSS score reflects the worst-case severity of the vulnerability, not your specific exposure. Whether this affects your application depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable in your environment.

A fixed version is available (1.10.5, 2.3.7, 3.1.3). Upgrading removes the vulnerable code path.

Affected versions

composer

  • simplesamlphp/saml2 (< 1.10.5)
  • simplesamlphp/saml2 (>= 2.0, < 2.3.7)
  • simplesamlphp/saml2 (>= 3.0, < 3.1.3)

Security releases

  • simplesamlphp/saml2 → 1.10.5 (composer)
  • simplesamlphp/saml2 → 2.3.7 (composer)
  • simplesamlphp/saml2 → 3.1.3 (composer)
Kodem intelligence

Severity tells you how bad this could be in the worst case. It does not tell you whether you are exposed. Exploitability and impact are functions of runtime truth: whether the vulnerable code is present, reachable, and actually executes in your application. A vulnerable package can sit in your dependency tree and never run.

Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to reveal which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so teams prioritize the ones that genuinely matter instead of chasing every advisory.

Kodem's runtime-powered SCA identifies whether CVE-2018-7644 is reachable in your applications. Explore open-source security for your team.

See if CVE-2018-7644 is reachable in your applications. Get a demo

Already deployed Kodem? See CVE-2018-7644 in your environment

Remediation advice

Upgrade the following packages to resolve this vulnerability:

  • Upgrade simplesamlphp/saml2 to 1.10.5 or later
  • Upgrade simplesamlphp/saml2 to 2.3.7 or later
  • Upgrade simplesamlphp/saml2 to 3.1.3 or later

Kodem Kai can prioritize this vulnerability in your dependency tree and generate a fix recommendation.

Frequently asked questions about CVE-2018-7644

What is CVE-2018-7644?

CVE-2018-7644 is a high-severity security vulnerability in simplesamlphp/saml2 (composer), affecting versions < 1.10.5. It is fixed in 1.10.5, 2.3.7, 3.1.3.

How severe is CVE-2018-7644?

CVE-2018-7644 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (High). This score reflects the worst-case severity of the vulnerability, not your specific exposure. Whether it represents real risk in your environment depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable.

Which versions of simplesamlphp/saml2 are affected by CVE-2018-7644?

simplesamlphp/saml2 (composer) versions < 1.10.5 is affected.

Is there a fix for CVE-2018-7644?

Yes. CVE-2018-7644 is fixed in 1.10.5, 2.3.7, 3.1.3. Upgrade to this version or later.

Is CVE-2018-7644 exploitable, and should I be worried?

Whether CVE-2018-7644 is exploitable in your environment depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable. A CVSS score is a worst-case rating; it does not account for your specific deployment, configuration, or usage patterns. Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to show which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so you can focus on the ones that represent real risk. Get a demo

What actually determines whether CVE-2018-7644 is exploitable, and how bad it is?

Exploitability and impact are not fixed properties of a CVE. They depend on runtime truth: whether the vulnerable code is present, reachable, and actually executes in your application. A high CVSS score on a dependency that never runs is not the same as real risk. Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to reveal which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so teams prioritize the ones that genuinely matter.

How do I fix CVE-2018-7644?
  • Upgrade simplesamlphp/saml2 to 1.10.5 or later
  • Upgrade simplesamlphp/saml2 to 2.3.7 or later
  • Upgrade simplesamlphp/saml2 to 3.1.3 or later

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