CVE-2026-59993
Picotls is a TLS protocol library that allows users select different crypto backends based on their use case. In affected revisions through 44bc503, when picotls is used as a `client-side TLS stack`, a peer can send a `HelloRetryRequest` followed by a `spoofed Hello message` that causes a null-pointer dereference. This can terminate the consuming process, including a process performing other work, resulting in denial of service. This issue is fixed in commit a06ca41.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: Picotls is a TLS protocol library that allows users select different crypto backends based on their use case. In affected revisions through 44bc503, when picotls is used as a `client-side TLS stack`, a peer can send a `HelloRetryRequest` followed by a `spoofed Hello message` that causes a null-pointer dereference. This can terminate the consuming process, including a process performing other work, resulting in denial of service. This issue is fixed in commit a06ca41. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Limited Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-476Affected products and versions
NVD has not supplied machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this CVE. This is an information gap, not proof that no products are affected. Check the vendor advisory references below.
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://github.com/h2o/picotls/commit/a06ca417a16f9126808bf5cabe6c5e6e0f16ecae VENDOR security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/h2o/picotls/pull/608 VENDOR security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/h2o/picotls/security/advisories/GHSA-2xcv-h2pg-m99c VENDOR security-advisories@github.com
Information gaps & confidence notes
These gaps indicate missing source data. CVE Watch does not fill them with guessed product, exploit or patch details.
- NVD does not currently provide machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this record.
Last enrichment: 2026-11-07T17:49:05+00:00 · Source last modified: 2026-11-06T19:17:52.530