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CVE-2016-5100 Froxlor CVE debrief

CVE-2016-5100 is a critical authentication weakness in Froxlor versions before 0.9.35. The issue stems from using PHP rand for random number generation in password reset token creation, which can make tokens easier to predict. Because password reset flows are security-sensitive, this can expose accounts to unauthorized takeover if an attacker can guess a valid token.

Vendor
Froxlor
Product
CVE-2016-5100
CVSS
CRITICAL 9.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2017-02-13
Original CVE updated
2026-05-13
Advisory published
2017-02-13
Advisory updated
2026-05-13

Who should care

Administrators and operators running Froxlor, especially installations on versions at or below 0.9.34.2. Security teams responsible for password reset workflows, account recovery, and web application patch management should treat this as urgent.

Technical summary

NVD identifies the weakness as CWE-330 (Use of Insufficiently Random Values) and rates the issue CVSS 3.0 9.8/CRITICAL. The affected CPE range in NVD covers Froxlor through version 0.9.34.2, and the published description states that versions before 0.9.35 use PHP rand for generating password reset tokens. Predictable token generation can allow a remote attacker to guess a reset token and abuse the password recovery process.

Defensive priority

Urgent. This is a remote, unauthenticated authentication weakness with critical impact. Patch quickly and assume exposed password-reset flows are at risk until fixed.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade Froxlor to version 0.9.35 or later as soon as possible.
  • If upgrade is delayed, restrict exposure of the Froxlor instance and monitor password reset activity closely.
  • Review recent password reset events and account changes for signs of suspicious activity.
  • Force password resets for sensitive accounts if there is any indication the reset workflow was abused.
  • After remediation, validate that password reset tokens are generated with a cryptographically secure random source and are not predictable.

Evidence notes

The CVE description states that Froxlor before 0.9.35 uses PHP rand for random number generation, making password reset tokens easier to guess. NVD marks the issue as CWE-330 and lists affected versions through 0.9.34.2. NVD also references a Froxlor GitHub commit as the patch/mitigation reference. Sources used: official NVD CVE detail and the referenced Froxlor commit.

Official resources

CVE published on 2017-02-13. This debrief uses the CVE publication date for timing context and does not treat later processing or modification dates as the issue date. CVE metadata was last modified on 2026-05-13.