CVE-2026-42256: Net::IMAP implements Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) client functionality in Ruby

Routine

MEDIUM 6.5UPGRADE

CVE-2026-42256 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting net\. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Net::IMAP implements Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) client functionality in Ruby. From versions 0.4.0 to before 0.4.24, 0.5.0 to before 0.5.14, and 0.6.0 to before 0.6.4, when authenticating a connection with SCRAM-SHA1 or SCRAM-SHA256, a hostile server can perform a computational denial-of-service attack on the client process by sending a big iteration count value. This issue has been patched in versions 0.4.24, 0.5.14, and 0.6.4.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 78%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-770, CWE-1322
Published	2026-05-09
Last modified	2026-07-24

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: ruby-lang

Last updated 2026-07-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-09 20:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-24 19:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ruby-lang net\ UPGRADE

Affected: >= 0.4.0 and < 0.4.24 · >= 0.5.0 and < 0.5.14 · >= 0.6.0 and < 0.6.4

Fixed in: 0.4.24, 0.5.14, 0.6.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.4.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 0.4.24 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade net

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 0.4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison net sudo apt install net=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.4.0> sudo apt-mark hold net

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

dnf --showduplicates list net sudo dnf downgrade net-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.4.0> sudo dnf versionlock add net

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.

Advisories and coverage

Official advisories

Ruby News: Ruby 3.3.12 Released 2026-07-16

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-2026-42256?

net\: upgrade to 0.4.24, 0.5.14, 0.6.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-42256 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42256 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-2026-42256 affect?

CVE-2026-42256 affects net\. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Net::IMAP implements Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) client functionality in Ruby. From versions 0.4.0 to before 0.4.24, 0.5.0 to before 0.5.14, and 0.6.0 to before 0.6.4, when authenticating a connection with SCRAM-SHA1 or SCRAM-SH

How urgent is CVE-2026-42256?

Priority 28/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Ruby vulnerabilities

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References

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