CVE-2026-53762

What it is

VeraCrypt provides disk encryption with strong security based on TrueCrypt. Prior to 1.26.29, non-default builds created with WOLFCRYPT=1 and WOLFCRYPT_BACKEND route SHA-256 and SHA-512 volume-header key derivation through derive_key_sha256 and derive_key_sha512 in src/Crypto/wolfCrypt.c, where the configured iterations value is discarded and wc_HKDF is used instead of PBKDF2-HMAC. Changing the PIM or iteration count therefore does not increase derivation cost, allowing an attacker with an affected container, disk image, or volume header to perform substantially cheaper offline password guesses. Official precompiled VeraCrypt binaries and normal distribution packages use the standard PBKDF2 backend and are not affected. Volumes created by an affected WOLFCRYPT=1 build require backup and recreation because corrected builds derive different keys. This issue is fixed in version 1.26.29.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-08-21 19:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-14 19:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.2 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-08-21 19:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-14 19:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-916

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.2

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

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-2026-53762.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-53762. 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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