Description
Buffer overflow in the PyCrypto ARC2 module 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a large ARC2 key length.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 5.0 | python-crypto | 2.0.1+dfsg1-2.3+lenny0 | DSA-1726-1 |
| Debian 4.0 | python-crypto | 2.0.1+dfsg1-1.2+etch0 | DSA-1726-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- PyCrypto ARC2 Module - Remote Buffer Overflow EDB-32780 · remote · Feb 7, 2009 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-1726-1 python-crypto - denial of service Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- MDVSA-2009:050 vendor-advisory
- pycrypto-arc2module-bo(48617) vdb-entry
- http://gitweb2.dlitz.net/?p=crypto/pycrypto-2.x.git%3Ba=commitdiff%3Bh=d1c4875e1f220652fe7ff8358f56dee3b2aba31b
- MDVSA-2009:049 vendor-advisory
- [oss-security] 20090207 CVE Request: pycrypto mailing-list
- 35065 third-party-advisory
- http://gitweb2.dlitz.net/?p=crypto/pycrypto-2.x.git%3Ba=commitdiff%3Bh=fd73731dfad451a81056fbb01e09aa78ab82eb5d
- 34199 third-party-advisory
- 33674 vdb-entry
- SUSE-SR:2009:010 vendor-advisory
- [oss-security] 20090212 Re: CVE Request: pycrypto mailing-list
- GLSA-200903-11 vendor-advisory