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GHSA-f27w-vcwj-c954

MediumCVSS 4.5 / 10
Published Mar 19, 2026·Last modified Mar 25, 2026
Affected Components(0)

No affected components available

Description

Impact

An integer overflow in the Java BCrypt implementation for JRuby can cause zero iterations in the strengthening loop. Impacted applications must be setting the cost to 31 to see this happen.

The JRuby implementation of bcrypt-ruby (BCrypt.java) computes the key-strengthening round count as a signed 32-bit integer. When cost=31 (the maximum allowed by the gem), signed integer overflow causes the round count to become negative, and the strengthening loop executes zero iterations. This collapses bcrypt from 2^31 rounds of exponential key-strengthening to effectively constant-time computation — only the initial EksBlowfish key setup and final 64x encryption phase remain.

The resulting hash looks valid ($2a$31$...) and verifies correctly via checkpw, making the weakness invisible to the application. This issue is triggered only when cost=31 is used or when verifying a $2a$31$ hash.

Patches

This problem has been fixed in version 3.1.22

Workarounds

Set the cost to something less than 31.

Risk Scores
Base Score
4.5

The vulnerability requires local access to the device to be exploited. It is difficult for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability and may require special conditions. An attacker does not need any special privileges or access rights. No user interaction is needed for the attacker to exploit this vulnerability.

Threat Intelligence
4.5

Exploitation attempts have been detected. Elevated vigilance and prompt remediation are advised.

EPSS
0.23%

The exploit probability is very low. The vulnerability is unlikely to be exploited in the next 30 days.

Exploit
Not available

We did not find any exploit available. Neither in GitHub repositories nor in the Exploit-Database.

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