How severe is CVE-2023-50981?

CVE-2023-50981 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-50981 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (51st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-50981?

CVE-2023-50981 affects Cryptopp Crypto++. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-50981?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-50981 published?

CVE-2023-50981 was published on 2023-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-50981

CVE-2023-50981 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cryptopp Crypto++ with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-835.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (51st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-835
Affected product: Cryptopp Crypto++
Published: 2023-12-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

ModularSquareRoot in Crypto++ (aka cryptopp) through 8.9.0 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via crafted DER public-key data associated with squared odd numbers, such as the square of 268995137513890432434389773128616504853.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-50981?: ModularSquareRoot in Crypto++ (aka cryptopp) through 8.9.0 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via crafted DER public-key data associated with squared odd numbers, such as the square of 268995137513890432434389773128616504853.
How severe is CVE-2023-50981?: CVE-2023-50981 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-50981 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (51st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-50981?: CVE-2023-50981 affects Cryptopp Crypto++. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-50981?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-50981 published?: CVE-2023-50981 was published on 2023-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://github.com/weidai11/cryptopp/issues/1249

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:cryptopp:crypto\+\+:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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