CVE-2026-45445
Description
A flaw was found in OpenSSL. Applications that use the AES-OCB encryption method with a specific one-shot interface (EVP_Cipher()) will have their provided Initialization Vector (IV) silently discarded. This leads to the same internal cryptographic value being used repeatedly, which compromises the confidentiality of encrypted data. Additionally, this issue allows for the universal forgery of authentication tags, undermining the integrity of communications.
Statement
This is a Moderate severity flaw where applications utilizing the AES-OCB cipher through OpenSSL's EVP_Cipher() one-shot interface may silently discard the provided initialization vector (IV). This leads to nonce reuse, compromising confidentiality and enabling universal forgery of authentication tags. Red Hat products are primarily affected if they include or rely on third-party applications that specifically employ this less common and discouraged API usage with AES-OCB, as standard OpenSSL SSL/TLS implementations and applications using the recommended streaming AEAD API are not impacted.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 9.1 | N/A | 7.5 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | None |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | None |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Application Data
If the IV is not properly initialized, data that is encrypted can be compromised and information about the data can be leaked. See [REF-1179].
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