Password Hashing: Do not use MD5
Impact
User passwords are stored in the database using the rather outdated and cryptographically insecure MD5 hash algorithm. Furthermore, the hashes are salted using the username instead of a random salt, causing hashes for users with the same username and password to collide which is problematic especially for popular users like the default admin user.
This essentially means that for an attacker, it might be feasible to reconstruct a user's password given access to these hashes.
Note that attackers needing access to the hashes means that they must gain access to the database in which these are stored first to be able to start cracking the passwords.
Patches
The problem is addressed in Opencast 8.1 which now uses the modern and much stronger bcrypt password hashing algorithm for storing passwords. Note, that old hashes remain MD5 until the password is updated.
For a list of users whose password hashes are stored using MD5, take a look at the /user-utils/users/md5.json REST endpoint.
Workarounds
There is no workaround.
References
For more information
If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:
- Open an issue in opencast/opencast
- For security-relevant information, email us at security@opencast.org
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl | < 7.6, >= 8.0, < 8.1 | 7.6, 8.1 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-327- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven)
- Package
org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl- Disclosed
- 30.01.2020
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 13:19
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-h362-m8f2-5x7c - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: org.opencastproject:opencast-common-jpa-impl
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Java / Kotlin (Maven)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
This is the only known vulnerability of this package.
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.