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CVE-2026-41681 rust-openssl CVE debrief

CVE-2026-41681 is a high-severity vulnerability in Rust-OpenSSL, a Rust library providing OpenSSL bindings. The vulnerability, fixed in version 0.10.78, allows for a buffer overflow due to EVP_DigestFinal() always writing EVP_MD_CTX_size(ctx) to the out buffer, potentially corrupting the stack. This issue is reachable from safe Rust and has a CVSS score of 8.1. The vulnerability affects versions from 0.10.39 to before 0.10.78, and developers should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to upgrade to a patched version.

Vendor
rust-openssl
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 8.1
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-04-24
Original CVE updated
2026-07-15
Advisory published
2026-04-24
Advisory updated
2026-07-15

Who should care

Developers and users of the Rust-OpenSSL library, particularly those using versions between 0.10.39 and 0.10.78, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to upgrade to a patched version. This includes reviewing and updating affected projects, monitoring for potential exploitation attempts, and verifying dependencies.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the rust-openssl library, specifically in the EVP_DigestFinal() function. When called, this function always writes EVP_MD_CTX_size(ctx) to the out buffer. If the out buffer is smaller than that, MdCtxRef::digest_final() writes past its end, usually corrupting the stack. This issue is reachable from safe Rust, making it a significant concern for developers using this library. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.1 and is fixed in version 0.10.78.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade to rust-openssl version 0.10.78 or later
  • Review and update affected projects to use the patched version
  • Monitor for potential exploitation attempts
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
  • Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance
  • Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-04-24T18:16:29.717Z and was last modified on 2026-07-15T16:51:48.920Z. The NVD entry is currently Analyzed. The vulnerability affects rust-openssl versions from 0.10.39 to before 0.10.78. Developers should verify their dependencies and update to a patched version if necessary. The CVE record provides additional details on the vulnerability, including its CVSS score of 8.1 and its potential impact.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-41681 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-41681

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-41681 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-41681

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.