CVE-2026-16235 in Crypt::Password
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2026
Crypt::Password versions through 0.28 for Perl generate insecure random values for salts.
These versions use the built-in rand function, which is predictable and unsuitable for cryptography.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2026
The vulnerability in Crypt::Password versions through 0.28 represents a critical weakness in cryptographic randomness implementation that undermines the security of password hashing operations. This flaw stems from the improper use of Perl's built-in rand function for generating salts, which are essential components in cryptographic hash functions designed to prevent rainbow table attacks and ensure unique password representations. The predictable nature of the rand function makes it unsuitable for cryptographic purposes, creating a significant risk that adversaries can exploit to compromise password security.
The technical implementation flaw lies in the direct utilization of Perl's non-cryptographic random number generator instead of employing proper cryptographic random number generation functions. This approach violates fundamental cryptographic principles and creates predictable salt values that can be enumerated or guessed by attackers. The rand function produces pseudo-random numbers with insufficient entropy and predictable sequences, making it trivial for malicious actors to reverse-engineer password hashes or perform targeted attacks against password databases. According to CWE-330, the use of insufficiently random values for cryptographic operations constitutes a direct vulnerability that can lead to complete compromise of cryptographic systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password security degradation to encompass broader system integrity risks. When salts are predictable, attackers can precompute hash tables or utilize pattern recognition techniques to efficiently crack multiple password hashes simultaneously. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which describes the exploitation of weak cryptographic implementations for credential access. The vulnerability affects any application or system that relies on Crypt::Password for password management, potentially exposing user credentials across multiple platforms and services where this module is implemented.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate upgrades to Crypt::Password versions that implement proper cryptographic random number generation using functions like /dev/urandom or equivalent secure sources. Organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of all systems utilizing this module to identify potential exposure windows and implement monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns. The remediation process requires not only updating the vulnerable library but also ensuring that all applications properly handle cryptographic randomness requirements. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as account lockout mechanisms and multi-factor authentication to provide defense-in-depth against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.