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CVE-2026-59251: Allocation of resources without limits in Erlang/OTP public_key certificate path validation allows a remote un

37
Routine
HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-59251 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting erlang\/otp, erlang\/public key. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Allocation of resources without limits in Erlang/OTP public_key certificate path validation allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to cause denial of service by sending a crafted X.509 certificate chain during the TLS handshake. During RFC 5280 policy processing in public_key:pkix_path_validation/3, the certificate policy tree maintained by pubkey_policy_tree grows without an upper bound. When a certificate chain contains M policies per certif

Why this priority

  • High severity
  • Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score7.5 (High)
Attack vectorNetwork (remote)
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededNone
User interactionNone
EPSS exploit chance0.3% (top 76%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-770
Published2026-07-27
Last modified2026-10-24
Publisher (CNA): EEF · Vendor: erlang

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Last updated 2026-10-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

erlang erlang\/otp UPGRADE
Affected: >= 26.2 and < 27.3.4.15 · >= 28.0 and < 28.5.0.4 · >= 29.0 and < 29.0.4
Fixed in: 27.3.4.15, 28.5.0.4, 29.0.4
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 26.2
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy erlangotp || rpm -q erlangotp || erlangotp --version
2. UPGRADE to 27.3.4.15 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade erlangotp
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade erlangotp
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 26.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison erlangotp sudo apt install erlangotp=<VERSION_BEFORE_26.2> sudo apt-mark hold erlangotp
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list erlangotp sudo dnf downgrade erlangotp-<VERSION_BEFORE_26.2> sudo dnf versionlock add erlangotp
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.
erlang erlang\/public key UPGRADE
Affected: >= 1.15 and < 1.17.1.5 · >= 1.18 and < 1.20.3.4 · >= 1.21 and < 1.21.4
Fixed in: 1.17.1.5, 1.20.3.4, 1.21.4
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.15
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy erlangpublic-key || rpm -q erlangpublic-key || erlangpublic-key --version
2. UPGRADE to 1.17.1.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade erlangpublic-key
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade erlangpublic-key
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 1.15 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison erlangpublic-key sudo apt install erlangpublic-key=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.15> sudo apt-mark hold erlangpublic-key
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list erlangpublic-key sudo dnf downgrade erlangpublic-key-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.15> sudo dnf versionlock add erlangpublic-key
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.

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · sugar-toolkit-gtk3 · FIXED · 0.122-2.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-d11eb2faf0 · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-d11eb2faf0
Fedora ELN · ntpd-rs · FIXED · 1.7.2-3.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-57e4a99310 · source
sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-57e4a99310
Ubuntu 20.04 · erlang · NOT AFFECTED
Ubuntu 22.04 · erlang · NOT AFFECTED
Ubuntu 24.04 · erlang · NOT AFFECTED
Debian 12 · erlang · NO FIX YET
Debian 13 · erlang · FIXED · 1:27.3.4.1+dfsg-1+deb13u3
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade erlang dpkg --compare-versions "$(dpkg-query -W -f='${Version}' erlang)" ge "1:27.3.4.1+dfsg-1+deb13u3" && echo PATCHED || echo STILL-VULNERABLE

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

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-2026-59251?

erlang\/otp: upgrade to 27.3.4.15, 28.5.0.4, 29.0.4; erlang\/public key: upgrade to 1.17.1.5, 1.20.3.4, 1.21.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-59251 being exploited?

CVE-2026-59251 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-2026-59251 affect?

CVE-2026-59251 affects erlang\/otp, erlang\/public key. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Allocation of resources without limits in Erlang/OTP public_key certificate path validation allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to cause denial of service by sending a crafted X.509 certificate chain during the TLS handshake. During R

How urgent is CVE-2026-59251?

Priority 37/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

References

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