CVE-2026-8721

Name: CVE-2026-8721
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2026-05-17T19:16:25.31+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 0.45%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2026-8721 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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. EPSS estimates a 0.45% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.45%

35.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-170

References

Timeline

Published: May 17, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-8721?

How severe is CVE-2026-8721?

CVE-2026-8721 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.45% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-8721?

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-2026-8721?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST