CVE-2026-54073

What it is

VeraCrypt provides disk encryption with strong security based on TrueCrypt. From 1.26.6 until 1.26.29, file-hosted hidden volume creation forces quick format and the FormatNoFs function in src/Common/Format.c and FormatFat function in src/Common/Fat.c use WriteFile to place raw zeroed sectors at predictable 128 MiB intervals. These writes bypass the normal EncryptDataUnits formatting path, leaving deterministic plaintext markers in an area expected to resemble random ciphertext. The markers can weaken plausible deniability during forensic inspection, although they do not disclose hidden-volume content or reduce the strength of VeraCrypt encryption. This issue is fixed in version 1.26.29.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.

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

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-693

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 4.6

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Active

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

None

Availability

None