# GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26: Insufficient Entropy in parsel

> The parsel library uses weak key stretching, allowing attackers to bypass cryptographic protections due to insufficient entropy handling.

- **Severity:** Not scored
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** No
- **Published:** 4 Sep 2020

## What is GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26?

GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26 is a vulnerability in parsel, published on 4 Sep 2020. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

### Official description

All versions of `parsel` use an insecure key derivation function. The package runs keys of arbitrary lengths through one round of SHA256 hashing for key stretching. This allows for the use of keys of insufficient entropy with inappropriate key stretching.

## Recommendation

The package is deprecated and will not be updated. Consider using an alternative package.

## Which versions are affected by GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including parsel.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `parsel` | npm | From 0.0.0 | None |
| `parsel` | npm | From 0.0.0 | None |

## How do I fix GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26?

No fix has been published for GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

## Is GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26 in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26 is a vulnerability in parsel, published on 4 Sep 2020. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- parsel (npm): affected from 0.0.0; no fix listed
- parsel (npm): affected from 0.0.0; no fix listed

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-vjvw-wcmw-pr26/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.