CVE-2026-8503: CWE-340 Generation of Predictable Numbers or Identifiers in GUIMARD Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256
CVE-2026-8503 is a medium severity vulnerability in Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 versions before 1. 3. 19 for Perl. The module generates session IDs using predictable, low-entropy sources such as the built-in rand() function, epoch time, and process ID, which are hashed with SHA-256. This predictability can allow attackers to guess session IDs and potentially gain unauthorized access. Version 1. 3. 19 includes a fallback to an insecure method only if Crypt::URandom::urandom fails, which is unlikely since Crypt::URandom is a required dependency. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 prior to version 1.3.19 generates session identifiers by hashing predictable inputs including the built-in rand() output, epoch time, and process ID. These low-entropy sources result in session IDs that can be predicted by attackers, undermining session security. Although version 1.3.19 attempts to use a more secure method, it falls back to the insecure method if Crypt::URandom::urandom fails, but this fallback is unlikely to be triggered due to Crypt::URandom being a hard requirement. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-340 (Generation of Predictable Numbers or Identifiers) and CWE-338 (Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator). No known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows attackers to predict session IDs generated by the affected module, potentially enabling unauthorized access to user sessions or systems relying on these session identifiers. The impact is limited to confidentiality and integrity, with no reported impact on availability. The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation level has been published by the vendor at this time. Users should monitor the vendor advisory for updates. Since version 1.3.19 attempts to use a more secure method with a fallback to the insecure method only if Crypt::URandom::urandom fails, ensuring that Crypt::URandom is properly installed and functional may mitigate fallback risks. Consider avoiding use of affected versions or implementing additional session security controls until an official fix is released.
CVE-2026-8503: CWE-340 Generation of Predictable Numbers or Identifiers in GUIMARD Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256
Description
CVE-2026-8503 is a medium severity vulnerability in Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 versions before 1. 3. 19 for Perl. The module generates session IDs using predictable, low-entropy sources such as the built-in rand() function, epoch time, and process ID, which are hashed with SHA-256. This predictability can allow attackers to guess session IDs and potentially gain unauthorized access. Version 1. 3. 19 includes a fallback to an insecure method only if Crypt::URandom::urandom fails, which is unlikely since Crypt::URandom is a required dependency. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.5medium
Affected software
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
Apache::Session::Generate::SHA256 prior to version 1.3.19 generates session identifiers by hashing predictable inputs including the built-in rand() output, epoch time, and process ID. These low-entropy sources result in session IDs that can be predicted by attackers, undermining session security. Although version 1.3.19 attempts to use a more secure method, it falls back to the insecure method if Crypt::URandom::urandom fails, but this fallback is unlikely to be triggered due to Crypt::URandom being a hard requirement. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-340 (Generation of Predictable Numbers or Identifiers) and CWE-338 (Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator). No known exploits are reported in the wild.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows attackers to predict session IDs generated by the affected module, potentially enabling unauthorized access to user sessions or systems relying on these session identifiers. The impact is limited to confidentiality and integrity, with no reported impact on availability. The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation level has been published by the vendor at this time. Users should monitor the vendor advisory for updates. Since version 1.3.19 attempts to use a more secure method with a fallback to the insecure method only if Crypt::URandom::urandom fails, ensuring that Crypt::URandom is properly installed and functional may mitigate fallback risks. Consider avoiding use of affected versions or implementing additional session security controls until an official fix is released.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- CPANSec
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-13T21:07:03.760Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a070551ec166c07b034bb2c
Added to database: 5/15/2026, 11:36:49 AM
Last enriched: 5/22/2026, 3:36:29 PM
Last updated: 6/10/2026, 3:47:42 PM
Views: 73
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