CVE-2026-63410
What it is
secp256k1-native is a native C secp256k1 implementation for Ruby. In affected native builds, native constant-time scalar multiplication through `Point#mul` or `scalar_multiply_ct` can leak timing information about a secret scalar when compiled by a toolchain that reconstructs branchless selection into a branch. The `Montgomery ladder` uses `uint256_select` with an all-zeros or all-ones mask, but affected GCC builds at `-O2` recover the original condition and emit secret-dependent `je` or `jne` jumps whose timing correlates with scalar bits. This defeats the assumption behind the 0.17.0 `jp_add_internal` infinity-branch fix. A consumer must multiply a secret private key or nonce in a context where an attacker can observe timing; repeated measurements can statistically recover scalar bits. The defect is in the compiled binary, so source review or `ctgrind` on a non-reconstructing toolchain may miss it. GCC 14.3.0, 15.1.0, and 15.2.0 reproduced the branch reconstruction, and `extconf.rb` appends `-O2`. Tested GCC versions through 12.4.0 used bitwise operations and GCC 13.3.0 used constant-time `cmov`; the pure-Ruby path is not affected by this flaw and separately makes no constant-time claim. GCC 16 and clang were untested, and point releases, targets, and flag combinations were not exhaustively bisected. `Earlier pre-0.17.0 versions had different constant-time issues rather than this introduced select idiom.` Version 0.18.0 contains the verified fix. The advisory's broad pre-0.18.0 guidance also covers earlier, different constant-time issues; whether this CVE groups those issues or only the select idiom introduced in 0.17.0 remains unresolved.
At a glance
- Exploitability
- Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure.
- Exploit odds
- 0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
- Fix
- A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.
Timeline
- ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
- PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
- Last updatedMost recent change to the record
Why it ranks here
- Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
- Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
- Severity: 5.9 MEDIUM (CVSS).
- Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.
Details
- Published
- Last modified
- Exploit probability
- 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
- Weakness
- CWE-208
- Record status
- Deferred
Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.9
- Attack vector
- Network
- Complexity
- High
- Privileges needed
- None
- User interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- None
- Availability
- None
Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
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-2026-63410.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-63410. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.
Fix and advisories
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/commit/a89bea1617a2d063c6545ad44565dc22098c880e
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/pull/32
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/releases/tag/v0.18.0
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/security/advisories/GHSA-vp2j-gqfm-r3cf
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/security/advisories/GHSA-vp2j-gqfm-r3cf
References
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/blob/master/docs/advisories/0001-compiler-reconstructed-ct-branch.md
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/commit/a89bea1617a2d063c6545ad44565dc22098c880e
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/pull/32
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/releases/tag/v0.18.0
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/security/advisories/GHSA-vp2j-gqfm-r3cf
- https://github.com/sgbett/secp256k1-native/security/advisories/GHSA-vp2j-gqfm-r3cf