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Vulnerability · Published May 17, 2026 · Assigned by CPANSec

CVE-2026-8721Crypt::OpenSSL::PKCS12 versions through 1.94 for Perl truncates passwords with embedded NULLs

Critical 9.8

In plain English

A critical-severity security flaw in Crypt::OpenSSL::PKCS12 from JONASBN. There are no confirmed reports of exploitation so far. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 0.4% (higher than 39% of all known vulnerabilities). Fixed versions are available - upgrade the affected package.

Severity (CVSS 3.1)9.8Critical
Exploit odds (30 days)0.4%top 60.9% of all CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: none
Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official description

Crypt::OpenSSL::PKCS12 versions through 1.94 for Perl truncates passwords with embedded NULLs. Password parameters in PKCS12.xs are declared char *, which routes through Perl's default typemap to SvPV_nolen. The Perl length is discarded. The C code (or OpenSSL internally) calls strlen() on the buffer. Any password byte at or after the first NULL is silently dropped. Binary / KDF-derived / HMAC-derived passwords lose entropy without any warnings.

Affected packages & fixed versions

EcosystemPackageFixed inAdvisory
Debian:13libcrypt-openssl-pkcs12-perlno fix listedDEBIAN-CVE-2026-8721
Debian:14libcrypt-openssl-pkcs12-perl1.95-1DEBIAN-CVE-2026-8721
Ubuntu:24.04:LTSlibcrypt-openssl-pkcs12-perlno fix listedUBUNTU-CVE-2026-8721
Ubuntu:25.10libcrypt-openssl-pkcs12-perlno fix listedUBUNTU-CVE-2026-8721
Ubuntu:26.04:LTSlibcrypt-openssl-pkcs12-perlno fix listedUBUNTU-CVE-2026-8721
Ubuntu:26.10libcrypt-openssl-pkcs12-perlno fix listedUBUNTU-CVE-2026-8721

Affected products (as reported)

VendorProductVersions
JONASBN Crypt::OpenSSL::PKCS12 0 – through 1.94

Weakness: CWE-170 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References