Vulnerability Description
Crypt::Age versions before 0.004 for Perl allow CPU exhaustion via an unbounded number of recipient stanzas, each costing an X25519 scalar multiplication in unwrap_file_key. The header parser accepts any number of recipient stanzas, and unwrap_file_key tries every identity against every X25519 stanza. Each attempt runs a scalar multiplication, an HKDF and a ChaCha20-Poly1305 open. The header MAC cannot be checked first, because its key comes from the file key, which only a successful unwrap produces. Each stanza is 98 bytes of attacker-chosen header and buys one scalar multiplication per identity held, and the file is rejected only after every one of them has run. A caller reaches this through decrypt, decrypt_file or decrypt_filehandle whenever it decrypts a file it did not write.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://metacpan.org/release/GETTY/Crypt-Age-0.004/changes
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/10/20/39
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-85783?
CVE-2026-85783 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). Crypt::Age versions before 0.004 for Perl allow CPU exhaustion via an unbounded number of recipient stanzas, each costing an X25519 scalar multiplication in unwrap_file_key. The header parser accepts...
How severe is CVE-2026-85783?
CVE-2026-85783 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.5/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-85783?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.