PatchTheCVECVE-2026-8721: Crypt::OpenSSL::PKCS12 versions through 1.94 for Perl truncates passwords with embedded NULLs. Password param
CVE-2026-8721 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
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 warnin
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.4% (top 61%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-170 |
| Published | 2026-05-17 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-25 |
Last updated 2026-10-25 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
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-2026-8721?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-8721 being exploited?
CVE-2026-8721 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-2026-8721 affect?
CVE-2026-8721 affects affected software. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). 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.
How urgent is CVE-2026-8721?
Priority 57/100. Critical severity; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist
Software pages
OpenSSL vulnerabilities · Perl vulnerabilities