CVE-2024-45402: Picotls is a TLS protocol library that allows users select different crypto backends based on their use case

This month

HIGH 8.6REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2024-45402 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.6) affecting picotls. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Picotls is a TLS protocol library that allows users select different crypto backends based on their use case. When parsing a spoofed TLS handshake message, picotls (specifically, bindings within picotls that call the crypto libraries) may attempt to free the same memory twice. This double free occurs during the disposal of multiple objects without any intervening calls to malloc Typically, this triggers the malloc implementation to detect the err

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.6 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 59%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-415
Published	2024-10-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: dena

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-10-11 15:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 07:54 UTCUpdated Record last modified

dena picotls UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2024-08-12 and < 2024-10-10

Fixed in: 2024-10-10

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2024-08-12

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy picotls || rpm -q picotls || picotls --version

2. UPGRADE to 2024-10-10 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade picotls

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade picotls

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2024-08-12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison picotls sudo apt install picotls=<VERSION_BEFORE_2024-08-12> sudo apt-mark hold picotls

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list picotls sudo dnf downgrade picotls-<VERSION_BEFORE_2024-08-12> sudo dnf versionlock add picotls

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2024-45402?

picotls: upgrade to 2024-10-10. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-45402 being exploited?

CVE-2024-45402 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2024-45402 affect?

CVE-2024-45402 affects picotls. Severity is high (CVSS 8.6). Picotls is a TLS protocol library that allows users select different crypto backends based on their use case. When parsing a spoofed TLS handshake message, picotls (specifically, bindings within picotls that call the crypto libraries) may a

How urgent is CVE-2024-45402?

Priority 45/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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