CVE-2025-8916: Bouncy Castle Bouncy Castle For Java Bcpkix, Vulnerability

Q: What is CVE-2025-8916?

CVE-2025-8916 is a security vulnerability in Bouncy Castle involving Bouncy Castle for Java bcpkix, bcprov, bcpkix-fips on All (API modules) allows Excessive Allocation under CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling.

Q: Which Bouncy Castle versions are affected?

Affected versions include releases prior to 1.79, 1.0.8, 2.0.8 across affected packages: org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15on, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15to18, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk18on, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-fips.

Q: What version fixes CVE-2025-8916?

Upgrading to 1.79, 1.0.8, 2.0.8 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.

Q: Is bcpkix-jdk15on affected?

Yes, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15on is affected in releases prior to 1.79. Upgrade your dependency to 1.79 or later.

Q: Is bcpkix-jdk15to18 affected?

Yes, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15to18 is affected in releases prior to 1.79. Upgrade your dependency to 1.79 or later.

Q: What CWE is associated with CVE-2025-8916?

CVE-2025-8916 is classified under CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling (The product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any intended restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated.).

Q: How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2025-8916?

Run the dependency tree command: 'mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.bouncycastle'. This command lists direct and transitive dependencies in your build configuration so you can verify if a vulnerable version is resolved.

MODERATE

Advisory Identifier: GHSA-4cx2-fc23-5wg6

CWE-770

Published 2025-08-13

Advisory Summary

CVE-2025-8916 is a MODERATE bouncy castle for java bcpkix, vulnerability (CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling) affecting Bouncy Castle libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves bouncy castle for java bcpkix, bcprov, bcpkix-fips on all (api modules) allows excessive allocation. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 1.79, 1.0.8, 2.0.8.

CVE-2025-8916 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2025-8916

GHSA Identifier GHSA-4cx2-fc23-5wg6

Severity MODERATE

CVSS v3.1 Base Score N/A

CWE Classification CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling

Affected Product Bouncy Castle

Package Ecosystem Maven

Published Date 2025-08-13

Last Updated 2026-05-13

How to Fix CVE-2025-8916

To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Bouncy Castle dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.

org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15on fixed: 1.79

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.bouncycastle</groupId>
    <artifactId>bcpkix-jdk15on</artifactId>
    <version>1.79</version>
</dependency>

org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15to18 fixed: 1.79

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.bouncycastle</groupId>
    <artifactId>bcpkix-jdk15to18</artifactId>
    <version>1.79</version>
</dependency>

org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk18on fixed: 1.79

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.bouncycastle</groupId>
    <artifactId>bcpkix-jdk18on</artifactId>
    <version>1.79</version>
</dependency>

org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-fips fixed: 1.0.8

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.bouncycastle</groupId>
    <artifactId>bcpkix-fips</artifactId>
    <version>1.0.8</version>
</dependency>

org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-fips fixed: 2.0.8

<dependency>
    <groupId>org.bouncycastle</groupId>
    <artifactId>bcpkix-fips</artifactId>
    <version>2.0.8</version>
</dependency>

Verify Direct and Transitive Dependencies

Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release:

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.bouncycastle

How to Check if You Are Affected

To determine whether your Java application is affected by CVE-2025-8916, inspect your build dependencies using the Maven Dependency Plugin:

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.bouncycastle

Analyze the terminal output to locate any version of Bouncy Castle in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 1.79), your application is affected.

Note: The mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.bouncycastle command inspects the resolved dependency graph declared in your project's POM files; it does not perform automated security scanning or inspect runtime dynamic classpaths. Always verify runtime container classpaths and shaded JARs.

Technical Details

Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling, where the product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any intended restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated. In Bouncy Castle, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.

Source Advisory Statement

Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling vulnerability in Legion of the Bouncy Castle Inc. Bouncy Castle for Java bcpkix, bcprov, bcpkix-fips on All (API modules) allows Excessive Allocation. This vulnerability is associated with program files https://github.Com/bcgit/bc-java/blob/main/pkix/src/main/java/org/bouncycastle/pkix/jcajce/PKIXCertP... https://github.Com/bcgit/bc-java/blob/main/pkix/src/main/java/org/bouncycastle/pkix/jcajce/PKIXCertPathReviewer.java , https://github.Com/bcgit/bc-java/blob/main/prov/src/main/java/org/bouncycastle/x509/PKIXCertPathRevi... https://github.Com/bcgit/bc-java/blob/main/prov/src/main/java/org/bouncycastle/x509/PKIXCertPathReviewer.java . This issue affects Bouncy Castle for Java: from BC 1.44 through 1.78, from BCPKIX FIPS 1.0.0 through 1.0.7, from BCPKIX FIPS 2.0.0 through 2.0.7.

CVE-2025-8916 Affected Bouncy Castle Versions

5 component(s)

Fixed Versions:

1.791.0.82.0.8

Product / Package	Ecosystem	Affected Versions	Fixed Version
org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15on maven/org.bouncycastle/bcpkix-jdk15on	Maven	≥ 1.44 < 1.79	1.79
org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15to18 maven/org.bouncycastle/bcpkix-jdk15to18	Maven	≥ 1.44 < 1.79	1.79
org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk18on maven/org.bouncycastle/bcpkix-jdk18on	Maven	≥ 1.44 < 1.79	1.79
org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-fips maven/org.bouncycastle/bcpkix-fips	Maven	≥ 1.0.0 < 1.0.8	1.0.8
org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-fips maven/org.bouncycastle/bcpkix-fips	Maven	≥ 2.0.0 < 2.0.8	2.0.8

References

NVD — CVE-2025-8916 NVD

https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-8916

Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT

https://github.com/bcgit/bc-java/commit/310b30a4fbf36d13f6cc201ffa7771715641e67e

Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT

https://github.com/bcgit/bc-java/commit/ff444a479942d88de64004dc82c3ee32a9e9075a

cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ss... WEB

https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-032379.html

Bouncy Castle Source Repository REPOSITORY

https://github.com/bcgit/bc-java

GitHub Advisory / Wiki ADVISORY

https://github.com/bcgit/bc-java/wiki/CVE%E2%80%902025%E2%80%908916

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-8916?

CVE-2025-8916 is a security vulnerability in Bouncy Castle involving Bouncy Castle for Java bcpkix, bcprov, bcpkix-fips on All (API modules) allows Excessive Allocation under CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling.

Which Bouncy Castle versions are affected?

Affected versions include releases prior to 1.79, 1.0.8, 2.0.8 across affected packages: org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15on, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15to18, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk18on, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-fips.

What version fixes CVE-2025-8916?

Upgrading to 1.79, 1.0.8, 2.0.8 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.

Is bcpkix-jdk15on affected?

Yes, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15on is affected in releases prior to 1.79. Upgrade your dependency to 1.79 or later.

Is bcpkix-jdk15to18 affected?

Yes, org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15to18 is affected in releases prior to 1.79. Upgrade your dependency to 1.79 or later.

What CWE is associated with CVE-2025-8916?

CVE-2025-8916 is classified under CWE-770: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling (The product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any intended restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated.).

How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2025-8916?

Run the dependency tree command: 'mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.bouncycastle'. This command lists direct and transitive dependencies in your build configuration so you can verify if a vulnerable version is resolved.

Machine-readable OSV JSON OSV v1.5 Schema

Normalized schema output

View Raw JSON

{
  "schema_version" : "1.4.0",
  "id" : "GHSA-4cx2-fc23-5wg6",
  "modified" : "2026-05-13T16:23:20Z",
  "published" : "2025-08-13T12:31:30Z",
  "aliases" : [ "CVE-2025-8916" ],
  "summary" : "Bouncy Castle for Java bcpkix, bcprov, bcpkix-fips on All (API modules) allows Excessive Allocation",
  "details" : "Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling vulnerability in Legion of the Bouncy Castle Inc. Bouncy Castle for Java bcpkix, bcprov, bcpkix-fips on All (API modules) allows Excessive Allocation. This vulnerability is associated with program files  https://github.Com/bcgit/bc-java/blob/main/pkix/src/main/java/org/bouncycastle/pkix/jcajce/PKIXCertP... https://github.Com/bcgit/bc-java/blob/main/pkix/src/main/java/org/bouncycastle/pkix/jcajce/PKIXCertPathReviewer.java ,  https://github.Com/bcgit/bc-java/blob/main/prov/src/main/java/org/bouncycastle/x509/PKIXCertPathRevi... https://github.Com/bcgit/bc-java/blob/main/prov/src/main/java/org/bouncycastle/x509/PKIXCertPathReviewer.java .\n\nThis issue affects Bouncy Castle for Java: from BC 1.44 through 1.78, from BCPKIX FIPS 1.0.0 through 1.0.7, from BCPKIX FIPS 2.0.0 through 2.0.7.",
  "severity" : [ {
    "type" : "CVSS_V4",
    "score" : "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/S:P/R:U/RE:M/U:Amber"
  } ],
  "affected" : [ {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15on"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
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      }, {
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      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk15to18"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "1.44"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "1.79"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-jdk18on"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "1.44"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "1.79"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-fips"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "1.0.0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "1.0.8"
      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 1.0.7"
    }
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.bouncycastle:bcpkix-fips"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "2.0.0"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "2.0.8"
      } ]
    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 2.0.7"
    }
  } ],
  "references" : [ {
    "type" : "ADVISORY",
    "url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-8916"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/bcgit/bc-java/commit/310b30a4fbf36d13f6cc201ffa7771715641e67e"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/bcgit/bc-java/commit/ff444a479942d88de64004dc82c3ee32a9e9075a"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-032379.html"
  }, {
    "type" : "PACKAGE",
    "url" : "https://github.com/bcgit/bc-java"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/bcgit/bc-java/wiki/CVE%E2%80%902025%E2%80%908916"
  } ],
  "database_specific" : {
    "cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-770" ],
    "severity" : "MODERATE",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
    "github_reviewed_at" : "2025-08-13T22:52:42Z",
    "nvd_published_at" : "2025-08-13T10:15:27Z"
  }
}

CVSS V4

N/A MODERATE

Attack Vector N/A

Attack Complexity N/A

Privileges Required N/A

User Interaction N/A

Scope N/A

Confidentiality N/A

Integrity N/A

Availability N/A

Vector String

CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/S:P/R:U/RE:M/U:Amber

Advisory Metadata

Source ID: GHSA-4cx2-fc23-5wg6
Schema Version: 1.4.0
Published: 2025-08-13 12:31
Last Modified: 2026-05-13 16:23
Database Record File: advisories/github-reviewed/2025/08/GHSA-4cx2-fc23-5wg6/GHSA-4cx2-fc23-5wg6.json