CVE-2026-23996Network attack vector

Valid key identification via failure-only response delay

Published Jan 21, 2026 · Updated Jan 21, 2026

Timing side channel in Athroniaeth keyshield before 1.1.0 allows remote attackers to identify valid API key IDs through latency probes. The verify_key method delays exception paths but returns successful verification results without the same randomized wait, exposing an observable timing difference. Exploitation requires repeated measurements against an application that exposes this method; the oracle reveals identifier validity, not the API key secret itself.

CVSS severity3.7
Low
EPSS probability0.27%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Timing side channel in Athroniaeth keyshield before 1.1.0 allows remote attackers to identify valid API key IDs through latency probes. The verify_key method delays exception paths but returns successful verification results without the same randomized wait, exposing an observable timing difference. Exploitation requires repeated measurements against an application that exposes this method; the oracle reveals identifier validity, not the API key secret itself.

The record

CVE
CVE-2026-23996
Published
Jan 21, 2026
Updated
Jan 21, 2026
Vendor
Athroniaeth
Product
keyshield
Classifications
CWE-208, T1212
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jan 21, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Jan 21, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=< 1.1.0

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Athroniaeth · keyshieldversion=< 1.1.0

Published CVSS scores

3.7GitHubCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

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No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-208Observable Timing Discrepancy
T1212Exploitation for Credential Access

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

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Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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