Moderate Vulnerability in OpenSSL: Denial of Service Due to NULL Pointer Dereference
Summary
ALSA-2026:22314: Moderate: openssl security update. Affects openssl versions < 1:3.5.5-3.el10_2.alma.1. Fixed in 1:3.5.5-3.el10_2.alma.1. How to fix ↓
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Background
OpenSSL is a widely-used toolkit that implements the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols, along with a comprehensive general-purpose cryptography library. It is integral to securing communications over computer networks. The package includes various components such as openssl, openssl-devel, openssl-libs, and openssl-perl, all of which are essential for developers and system administrators to create secure applications. However, a recent vulnerability has been identified that could potentially compromise the security of systems utilizing OpenSSL.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a NULL pointer dereference in the processing of CMS EnvelopedData, which can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS). This means that an attacker could exploit this flaw to crash the application or service using OpenSSL, rendering it unavailable to legitimate users. The specific identifier for this vulnerability is CVE-2026-28390, which provides further details on the impact and technical aspects of the issue.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1:3.5.5-3.el10_2.alma.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update opensslTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, if you are unable to apply the update immediately, consider restricting access to the affected services or implementing additional monitoring to detect unusual activity that may indicate an attempted exploit.
Conclusion
In summary, the identified vulnerability in OpenSSL poses a moderate risk due to its potential to cause Denial of Service. It is crucial for users and administrators to update their OpenSSL packages to the patched version to ensure the security and availability of their applications. Utilizing tools like Vulert can further enhance your ability to monitor and manage vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
The vulnerability is a Denial of Service (DoS) issue caused by a NULL pointer dereference in CMS EnvelopedData processing.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. By uploading your manifest file like package-lock.json, you can check for vulnerabilities without needing to access the code.
The primary impact is a Denial of Service, which can make applications or services using OpenSSL unavailable to users.
Yes, you should update to version 1:3.5.5-3.el10_2.alma.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
For more details, you can refer to the CVE page for CVE-2026-28390, which provides comprehensive information about the vulnerability.
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