xml-security <2.3.1 GCM Auth Tag Length Flaw Reveals Decrypt/Forge
CVE-2026-32600 Published on March 13, 2026
xml-security is Missing AES-GCM Authentication Tag Validation on Encrypted Nodes Allows for Unauthorized Decryption
xml-security is a library that implements XML signatures and encryption. Prior to versions 2.3.1 and 1.13.9, XML nodes encrypted with either aes-128-gcm, aes-192-gcm, or aes-256-gcm lack validation of the authentication tag length. An attacker can use this to brute-force an authentication tag, recover the GHASH key, and decrypt the encrypted nodes. It also allows to forge arbitrary ciphertexts without knowing the encryption key. This vulnerability is fixed in 2.3.1 and 1.13.9.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-32600 is exploitable with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. An automatable proof of concept (POC) exploit exists. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a high impact on confidentiality, with no impact on integrity, and no impact on availability.
Weakness Type
Improper Validation of Integrity Check Value
The software does not validate or incorrectly validates the integrity check values or "checksums" of a message. This may prevent it from detecting if the data has been modified or corrupted in transmission. Improper validation of checksums before use results in an unnecessary risk that can easily be mitigated. The protocol specification describes the algorithm used for calculating the checksum. It is then a simple matter of implementing the calculation and verifying that the calculated checksum and the received checksum match. Improper verification of the calculated checksum and the received checksum can lead to far greater consequences.
Affected Versions
simplesamlphp xml-security:- Version >= 2.0.0, < 2.3.1 is affected.
- Version < 1.13.9 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.