wolfSSL: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2026-5295 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in wolfSSL, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.0 out of 10. It can be exploited from the same local network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 5.9.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating wolfSSL to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.18% 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 wolfSSL to 5.9.1 or a later version.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
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
- AdjacentThe attacker must be on the same local network segment.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.9 | Medium | CNA (wolfssl.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.0 | High | NVD |
Official description
A stack buffer overflow exists in wolfSSL's PKCS7 implementation in the wc_PKCS7_DecryptOri() function in wolfcrypt/src/pkcs7.c. When processing a CMS EnvelopedData message containing an OtherRecipientInfo (ORI) recipient, the function copies an ASN.1-parsed OID into a fixed 32-byte stack buffer (oriOID[MAX_OID_SZ]) via XMEMCPY without first validating that the parsed OID length does not exceed MAX_OID_SZ. A crafted CMS EnvelopedData message with an ORI recipient containing an OID longer than 32 bytes triggers a stack buffer overflow. Exploitation requires the library to be built with --enable-pkcs7 (disabled by default) and the application to have registered an ORI decrypt callback via wc_PKCS7_SetOriDecryptCb().
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
The product writes past the end of a buffer that was allocated on the stack.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use automatic buffer overflow detection mechanisms that are offered by certain compilers or compiler extensions. Examples include: the Microsoft Visual Studio /GS flag, Fedora/Red Hat FORTIFY_SOURCE GCC flag, StackGuard, and ProPolice, which provide various mechanisms including canary-based detection and range/index checking. D3-SFCV (Stack Frame Canary Validation) from D3FEND discusses canary-based detection in detail.
- Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. Not a complete solution.
- Implement and perform bounds checking on input.
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
- github.com/wolfSSL/wolfssl/pull/10116Issue Tracking
Other vulnerabilities in wolfSSL
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Stack-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
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