# CVE-2026-59251: erlang: Allocation of resources without limits in Erlang/OTP public_key certificate path validation allows a remote unauthent...

CVE-2026-59251 is fixed in 38 products on 1 platform, first by DEBIAN-CVE-2026-59251, released August 4, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: High.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-59251
- Priority: High
- CVSS: 7.5 (high)
- EPSS: 0.0032
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Jul 27, 2026

## Description

Allocation of resources without limits in Erlang/OTP public_key certificate path validation allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to cause denial of service by sending a crafted X.509 certificate chain during the TLS handshake.  During RFC 5280 policy processing in public_key:pkix_path_validation/3, the certificate policy tree maintained by pubkey_policy_tree grows without an upper bound. When a certificate chain contains M policies per certificate and K certificates, the tree grows on the order of M^K nodes because pubkey_policy_tree:add_leaves/2 and pubkey_policy_tree:add_leaf_siblings/2 extend the tree per policy per certificate. A modest chain with many policies per certificate is enough to pin BEAM schedulers and exhaust the node's memory, taking down the entire VM. The attacker only needs to be able to present a certificate chain to the victim, which is the normal precondition for a TLS handshake, so exploitation succeeds against any incoming or outgoing TLS connection that validates the peer's chain (the default for SSL/TLS clients and mutual-TLS servers).  This is the same vulnerability class as OpenSSL's X509_verify_cert policy tree DoS.  This vulnerability is associated with program files lib/public_key/src/pubkey_policy_tree.erl and program routines pubkey_policy_tree:add_leaves/2 and pubkey_policy_tree:add_leaf_siblings/2.  This issue affects OTP from OTP 26.2 before OTP 29.0.4, OTP 28.5.0.4 and OTP 27.3.4.15, corresponding to public_key from 1.15 before 1.21.4, 1.20.3.4 and 1.17.1.5.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | erlang Debian 13.5 (trixie) | 1:27.3.4.1+dfsg-1+deb13u3 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2026-59251](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2026-59251.md) | Aug 4, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang Debian 14 | 1:29.0.4+dfsg-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2026-59251](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2026-59251.md) | Aug 4, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-asn1 Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-asn1 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-asn1-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-base Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-base 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-base-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-common-test Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-common-test 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-common-test-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-crypto Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-crypto 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-crypto-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-debugger Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-debugger 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-debugger-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-dialyzer Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-dialyzer 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-dialyzer-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-diameter Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-diameter 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-diameter-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-edoc Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-edoc 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-edoc-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-eldap Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-eldap 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-eldap-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-et Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-et 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-et-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-eunit Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-eunit 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-eunit-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-examples Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-examples 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-examples-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-ftp Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-ftp 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-ftp-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-inets Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-inets 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-inets-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-jinterface Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-jinterface 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-jinterface-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-megaco Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-megaco 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-megaco-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-mnesia Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-mnesia 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-mnesia-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-mode Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-mode 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-mode-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-nox Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-nox 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-nox-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-observer Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-observer 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-observer-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-odbc Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-odbc 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-odbc-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-os-mon Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-os-mon 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-os-mon-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-parsetools Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-parsetools 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-parsetools-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-public-key Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-public-key 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-public-key-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-reltool Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-reltool 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-reltool-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-runtime-tools Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-runtime-tools 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-runtime-tools-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-snmp Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-snmp 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-snmp-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-src Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-src 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-src-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-ssh Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-ssh 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-ssh-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-ssl Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-ssl 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-ssl-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-syntax-tools Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-syntax-tools 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-syntax-tools-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-tftp Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-tftp 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-tftp-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-tools Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-tools 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-tools-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-wx Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-wx 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-wx-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-x11 Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-x11 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-x11-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang-xmerl Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) | 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1 | [erlang-xmerl 1:27.3.4.6+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-resolute-erlang-xmerl-1-27.3.4.6-dfsg-1ubuntu0.1.md) | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang26 sles 15.6 | 26.2.1-150300.7.28.1 | [SUSE-SU-2026:3579-1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/suse-su-2026-3579-1.md) | Aug 11, 2026 |
| Linux | erlang26 sles 15.7 | 26.2.1-150300.7.28.1 | [SUSE-SU-2026:3579-1](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/suse-su-2026-3579-1.md) | Aug 11, 2026 |

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