Junglewise Threat Intelligence

CVE-2026-1584: GnuTLS NULL pointer dereference in PSK binder verification

CVE-2026-1584 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-04-09

Technologies: Redhat Hardened Images, Gnutls. Vendors: Redhat, Gnu, Red Hat.

Executive brief

GnuTLS is a widely used security library that enables secure communications over the internet. A flaw in how it handles specific connection requests allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to crash servers using this library. This results in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition, potentially disrupting business operations and service availability.

Technical details

A NULL pointer dereference exists in GnuTLS within the PSK (Pre-Shared Key) binder verification logic. When a server receives a ClientHello message referencing a previously issued session ticket, the '_gnutls_get_cred' function may return a NULL pointer for PSK credentials. If the attacker provides an invalid PSK binder value, the server attempts to dereference this NULL pointer in 'server_recv_params' while attempting to access 'pskcred->binder_algo'. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote, unauthenticated attacker to crash the server process. Red Hat has released patches for affected Hardened Images (RHSA-2026:7477).

Affected products

  • GnuTLS GnuTLS 3.8.12-1.1.hum1 and earlier
  • Red Hat Red Hat Hardened Images gnutls-3.8.12-1.1.hum1

Timeline

  • 2026-01-29: disclosed: Reported via Red Hat Bugzilla
  • 2026-04-09: advisory: NVD publication date
  • 2026-04-10: patched: Red Hat released security advisory RHSA-2026:7477

References

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