CVE-2026-45363

What it is

ruby-jwt is a Ruby implementation of the RFC 7519 OAuth JSON Web Token standard. Prior to 2.10.3 and 3.2.0, JWT.decode(token, '', true, algorithm: 'HS256') accepts an attacker-forged token because OpenSSL::HMAC.digest('SHA256', '', payload) returns a valid digest under an empty key and no empty-key precondition exists in the HMAC algorithm. The same path is reached when a keyfinder block or key_finder: argument returns an empty string, nil, or an array containing nil for an unknown key, affecting HS256, HS384, and HS512 verification through JWT.decode and JWT::EncodedToken#verify_signature!. This issue is fixed in versions 2.10.3 and 3.2.0.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-07-14 22:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-24 22:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.1 CRITICAL (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-07-14 22:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-24 22:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-287 · Improper authentication

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

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-2026-45363.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-45363. 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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