Executive brief
Electerm, a terminal and ssh/sftp client, uses an insecure encryption method for syncing user data like bookmarks and profiles. This flaw could allow an attacker to decrypt sensitive information or modify configuration data without being detected. Users should update to the latest version to ensure their synced data remains private and secure.
Technical details
Electerm's synchronization mechanism employs deterministic AES-192-CBC encryption with a fixed zero Initialization Vector (IV), a constant Key Derivation Function (KDF) salt, and lacks a Message Authentication Code (MAC). These cryptographic weaknesses allow for offline password cracking across different installations and enable undetected ciphertext bit-flipping attacks. An attacker with access to the synced data can compromise the confidentiality of bookmarks and profiles or modify configurations. The vulnerability is addressed in version 3.9.5 by improving the encryption implementation.
Affected products
- electerm electerm < 3.9.5
Timeline
- 2026-05-13: disclosed
- 2026-05-14: advisory: GHSA-g29v-q6h7-76wh published
- 2026-05-14: patched: Version 3.9.5 released
References
- https://api.github.com/users/Curly-Haired-Baboon
- https://github.com/Curly-Haired-Baboon
- https://api.github.com/users/Curly-Haired-Baboon/gists%7B/gist_id%7D
- https://api.github.com/users/Curly-Haired-Baboon/repos
- https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/227850795?v=4
- https://api.github.com/users/Curly-Haired-Baboon/events%7B/privacy%7D