CVE-2026-9638: CWE-338 Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in ARODLAND Crypt::PBKDF2
Crypt::PBKDF2 versions before 0.261630 for Perl generate insecure random values for salts. These versions use the built-in rand function, which is predictable and unsuitable for cryptography.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-9638 identifies a weakness in Crypt::PBKDF2 versions before 0.261630 where the module uses Perl's built-in rand function to generate salts. The rand function is not suitable for cryptographic purposes because it produces predictable output. As salts are critical for preventing precomputed attacks on password hashes, using a weak PRNG compromises the effectiveness of the PBKDF2 implementation in these versions.
Potential Impact
The use of a predictable pseudo-random number generator for salt generation reduces the cryptographic strength of the PBKDF2 key derivation process. This can facilitate attacks such as precomputed hash attacks or rainbow table attacks, potentially allowing attackers to more easily recover passwords or derived keys.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Users should upgrade to Crypt::PBKDF2 version 0.261630 or later once available, where a secure cryptographic random number generator is expected to be used for salt generation.
CVE-2026-9638: CWE-338 Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in ARODLAND Crypt::PBKDF2
Description
Crypt::PBKDF2 versions before 0.261630 for Perl generate insecure random values for salts. These versions use the built-in rand function, which is predictable and unsuitable for cryptography.
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-9638 identifies a weakness in Crypt::PBKDF2 versions before 0.261630 where the module uses Perl's built-in rand function to generate salts. The rand function is not suitable for cryptographic purposes because it produces predictable output. As salts are critical for preventing precomputed attacks on password hashes, using a weak PRNG compromises the effectiveness of the PBKDF2 implementation in these versions.
Potential Impact
The use of a predictable pseudo-random number generator for salt generation reduces the cryptographic strength of the PBKDF2 key derivation process. This can facilitate attacks such as precomputed hash attacks or rainbow table attacks, potentially allowing attackers to more easily recover passwords or derived keys.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Users should upgrade to Crypt::PBKDF2 version 0.261630 or later once available, where a secure cryptographic random number generator is expected to be used for salt generation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- CPANSec
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-26T18:28:03.845Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a2c283de617e2d83487db45
Added to database: 6/12/2026, 3:39:41 PM
Last enriched: 6/12/2026, 3:55:43 PM
Last updated: 6/12/2026, 6:08:12 PM
Views: 5
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