CVE-2020-36242: Integer Overflow

Published Dec 9, 2020
·
Updated

A buffer-overflow flaw was found in the python-cryptography package. In certain sequences of update() calls when symmetrically encrypting very large payloads (>2GB) could result in an integer overflow, leading to buffer overflows. Note: This fix is a workaround for the OpenSSL CVE-2021-23840 flaw. Source: pyca/cryptography project

Other sources

cryptography is a package designed to expose cryptographic primitives and recipes to Python developers. When certain sequences of update() calls with large values (multiple GBs) for symetric encryption or decryption occur, it's possible for an integer overflow to happen, leading to mishandling of buffers. This is patched in version 3.3.2 and newer.

GitHub

In the cryptography package before 3.3.2 for Python, certain sequences of update calls to symmetrically encrypt multi-GB values could result in an integer overflow and buffer overflow, as demonstrated by the Fernet class.

oauthlib is vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack, caused by the lack of support for PKCE implementation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to launch a man-in-the-middle attack and gain access to the communication channel between endpoints to obtain sensitive information or further compromise the system.

IBM

Affected Software

16 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/python-cryptography<0:3.2.1-4.el8
0:3.2.1-4.el8
redhat/rh-python38-babel<0:2.7.0-12.el7
0:2.7.0-12.el7
redhat/rh-python38-python<0:3.8.11-2.el7
0:3.8.11-2.el7
redhat/rh-python38-python-cryptography<0:2.8-5.el7
0:2.8-5.el7
redhat/rh-python38-python-jinja2<0:2.10.3-6.el7
0:2.10.3-6.el7
redhat/rh-python38-python-lxml<0:4.4.1-7.el7
0:4.4.1-7.el7
redhat/rh-python38-python-pip<0:19.3.1-2.el7
0:19.3.1-2.el7
redhat/rh-python38-python-urllib3<0:1.25.7-7.el7
0:1.25.7-7.el7
redhat/redhat-virtualization-host<0:4.4.6-20210527.3.el8_4
0:4.4.6-20210527.3.el8_4
redhat/python-cryptography<3.3.2
3.3.2
pip/cryptography>=3.1<3.3.2
3.3.2
Cryptography.io Cryptography Python<3.3.2
Fedoraproject Fedora=33
Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Network Function Cloud Native Environment=1.10.0
cryptography project Cryptography Python<3.3.2
IBM Edge Application Manager<=4.5

Remediation

Information

Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.

Event History

Dec 9, 2020
CVE Published
12:00 AM
Feb 7, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:50 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:50 PM
Description
Feb 10, 2021
Advisory Published
via GitHub·01:32 AM
Aug 20, 2025
Data Sourced
via IBM·12:00 AM
DescriptionAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2020-36242?

CVE-2020-36242 is a vulnerability in the cryptography package for Python that allows for integer overflow during symmetrical encryption or decryption.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2020-36242?

The severity of CVE-2020-36242 is critical with a CVSS score of 9.1.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2020-36242?

The cryptography package for Python versions up to and including 3.3.2, Oracle Communications Cloud Native Core Network Function Cloud Native Environment version 1.10.0, and Fedora version 33 are affected by CVE-2020-36242.

4

How can I fix CVE-2020-36242?

To fix CVE-2020-36242, update to version 3.3.2 of the cryptography package for Python.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2020-36242?

You can find more information about CVE-2020-36242 on the CVE website, NIST's vulnerability database, the cryptography package's changelog, the Red Hat bugzilla page, and the Red Hat errata page.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203