Crypt::SecretBuffer: Observable Timing Discrepancy
CVE-2026-5086 is a high-severity observable timing discrepancy vulnerability in Crypt::SecretBuffer from Nerdvana, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 0.019 as the first without the flaw, so updating Crypt::SecretBuffer to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.41% 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
- Update Crypt::SecretBuffer to 0.019 or a later version.
- Update Crypt to 0.019 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| NERDVANA | Crypt::SecretBuffer | before 0.019 | 0.019 |
| Nerdvana | Crypt | before 0.019 | 0.019 |
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- 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
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Crypt::SecretBuffer versions before 0.019 for Perl is suseceptible to timing attacks. For example, if Crypt::SecretBuffer was used to store and compare plaintext passwords, then discrepencies in timing could be used to guess the secret password.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Observable Timing Discrepancy
Two separate operations in a product require different amounts of time to complete, in a way that is observable to an actor and reveals security-relevant information about the state of the product, such as whether a particular operation was successful or not.
More Observable Timing Discrepancy vulnerabilities (CWE-208)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- metacpan.org/release/NERDVANA/Crypt-SecretBuffer-0.019/source/ChangesProduct, Release Notes
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/13/12Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Recent Observable Timing Discrepancy vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.5 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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