CVE-2003-0078

What it is

ssl3_get_record in s3_pkt.c for OpenSSL before 0.9.7a and 0.9.6 before 0.9.6i does not perform a MAC computation if an incorrect block cipher padding is used, which causes an information leak (timing discrepancy) that may make it easier to launch cryptographic attacks that rely on distinguishing between padding and MAC verification errors, possibly leading to extraction of the original plaintext, aka the "Vaudenay timing attack."

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

13.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2003-03-03 05:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:01 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 13.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.0 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2003-03-03 05:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:01 UTC

Exploit probability

13.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-203

Record status

Modified

Affected

• OpenSSL < 0.9.6i
• OpenSSL 0.9.6i
• OpenSSL 0.9.7
• Freebsd 4.2
• Freebsd 4.3
• Freebsd 4.4
• Freebsd 4.5
• Freebsd 4.6

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 5.0

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Partial

Integrity

None

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2003-0078.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2003-0078. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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