Ruby jwt: Prior to 2.10.3 and 3.2.0, JWT.decode(token, '', true, algorithm: 'HS256') accepts an attacker-forged token
Affects ruby-jwtSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 9.1 Critical · fixed in 1.0.0-3ubuntu0.1~esm1 : patch ruby-jwt as a priority.
Data as of 12 Nov 2026, 19:55 UTC
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 1.0.0-3ubuntu0.1~esm1, 1.5.6-1ubuntu0.1~esm1, 2.1.0-2ubuntu0.1~esm1 +3
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:NExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 14 Jul 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponized: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 12 Nov 2026.
What to do
Upgrade to a fixed release listed under Affected software.
Patches and advisories
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSruby-jwtpkg:deb/ubuntu/ruby-jwt?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSruby-jwtpkg:deb/ubuntu/ruby-jwt?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 22.04 LTSruby-jwtpkg:deb/ubuntu/ruby-jwt?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/jammyOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 20.04 LTSruby-jwtpkg:deb/ubuntu/ruby-jwt?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/focalOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 18.04 LTSruby-jwtpkg:deb/ubuntu/ruby-jwt?arch=source&distro=esm-apps/bionicOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTSruby-jwtpkg:deb/ubuntu/ruby-jwt?arch=source&distro=esm-apps-legacy/xenialOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
Update ruby-jwt to fixed versions 2.10.3 or later, or 3.2.0 or later. For Ubuntu users, apply the security updates provided in the following package versions: 1.0.0-3ubuntu0.1~esm1, 1.5.6-1ubuntu0.1~esm1, 2.1.0-2ubuntu0.1~esm1, 2.2.2-1ubuntu0.1~esm1, 2.7.1-1+deb13u1build0.24.04.1, and 2.7.1-1+deb13u1build0.26.04.1. Standard system updates will apply these fixes. No additional mitigation steps are required once patched.
Description
ruby-jwt versions prior to 2.10.3 and 3.2.0 contain a vulnerability where JWT.decode with an empty key incorrectly accepts attacker-forged tokens. This occurs because the HMAC digest function returns a valid digest for an empty key, and no check prevents this. The flaw affects HS256, HS384, and HS512 algorithms and can lead to authentication bypass. Fixed versions are available in multiple Ubuntu package releases.
References
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-45363 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-45363 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/jwt/ruby-jwt/commit/9820020869ad147b941e49d96ab8beba35532964 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/jwt/ruby-jwt/commit/db560b769a07bd9724e77ff505011ac01872106f (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/jwt/ruby-jwt/releases/tag/v2.10.3 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/jwt/ruby-jwt/releases/tag/v3.2.0 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/jwt/ruby-jwt/security/advisories/GHSA-c32j-vqhx-rx3x (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-9059-1 (opens in a new tab)