CVE-2016-7798

Name: CVE-2016-7798
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2017-01-30T22:59:00.747+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10EPSS 3.17%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-7798 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. The openssl gem for Ruby uses the same initialization vector (IV) in GCM Mode (aes-*-gcm) when the IV is set before the key, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to bypass the encryption protection mechanism.. EPSS estimates a 3.17% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The openssl gem for Ruby uses the same initialization vector (IV) in GCM Mode (aes-*-gcm) when the IV is set before the key, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to bypass the encryption protection mechanism.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

EPSS Probability

3.17%

86.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-326

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Ruby-Lang	Openssl	< 2.0.0
Debian	Debian Linux	8.0
Debian	Debian Linux	9.0

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/09/19/9Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/09/30/6Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/10/01/2Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93031Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/ruby/openssl/commit/8108e0a6db133f3375608303fdd2083eb5115062Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/ruby/openssl/issues/49Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2018/07/msg00012.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3966Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/09/19/9Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/09/30/6Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/10/01/2Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93031Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/ruby/openssl/commit/8108e0a6db133f3375608303fdd2083eb5115062Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/ruby/openssl/issues/49Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2018/07/msg00012.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3966Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jan 30, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-7798?

How severe is CVE-2016-7798?

CVE-2016-7798 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.17% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-7798?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2016-7798?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST