Secret disclosure via input-dependent comparisons
Published Apr 13, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026
Observable timing discrepancy in Crypt::SecretBuffer before 0.019 allows remote attackers to infer secrets through repeated comparisons. The memcmp method and Span->cmp path complete in input-dependent time instead of performing constant-time operations on compared bytes. Exposure requires a consuming application to compare attacker-controlled input with a stored secret; the resulting timing oracle can reveal plaintext passwords without altering data or interrupting service.
Summary
What happened
Observable timing discrepancy in Crypt::SecretBuffer before 0.019 allows remote attackers to infer secrets through repeated comparisons. The memcmp method and Span->cmp path complete in input-dependent time instead of performing constant-time operations on compared bytes. Exposure requires a consuming application to compare attacker-controlled input with a stored secret; the resulting timing oracle can reveal plaintext passwords without altering data or interrupting service.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-5086
- Published
- Apr 13, 2026
- Updated
- Apr 13, 2026
- Vendor
- Michael Conrad
- Product
- Crypt::SecretBuffer
- Classifications
- CWE-208, T1110
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Apr 13, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 13, 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.
- Affected versionversion=0 <0.019
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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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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