CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-26340NVD status: Analyzed

MaxTime: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2025-26340 is a high-severity use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability in MaxTime from Q-Free, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected MaxTime versions: 2.11.0 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.17% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 68% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of MaxTime you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  3. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Q-FreeMaxTime2.11.0 and earlierNot stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (nozominetworks.com).

Official description

A CWE-321 "Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key" in the JWT signing in Q-Free MaxTime less than or equal to version 2.11.0 allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to bypass the authentication via crafted HTTP requests.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key

The product uses a hard-coded, unchangeable cryptographic key.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Prevention schemes mirror that of hard-coded password storage.

More Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerabilities (CWE-321)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in MaxTime

All MaxTime vulnerabilities

Recent Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerabilities

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