OpenVPN: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2026-12996 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in OpenVPN, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected OpenVPN versions: 2.6.0 through 2.6.20; 2.7_alpha1 through 2.7.4. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.46% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of OpenVPN you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on community.openvpn.net for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | OpenVPN | 2.6.0 through 2.6.20; 2.7_alpha1 through 2.7.4 | Not stated |
| Debian | Debian Linux | 11.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 6.0 | Medium | CNA (openvpn.net) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
A use-after-free in OpenVPN 2.6.0 through 2.6.20 and 2.7_alpha1 through 2.7.4 allows remote authenticated peers to potentially cause a denial of service or leak memory via crafted packets during TLS session promotion or expiry
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2026/07/msg00013.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in OpenVPN
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 8.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
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