pyjwt vulnerability

PyJWT is a JSON Web Token implementation in Python. Prior to 2.12.0, PyJWT does not validate the crit (Critical) Header Parameter defined in RFC 7515 §4.1.11. When a JWS token contains a crit array listing extensions that PyJWT does not understand, the library accepts the token instead of rejecting it. This violates the MUST requirement in the RFC. This vulnerability is fixed in 2.12.0.

Published 13 Mar 2026Updated 10 Sep 202639 sources
CVSS 7.5 ✓ VERIFIED REFERENCE

What happened

PyJWT is a JSON Web Token implementation in Python. Prior to 2.12.0, PyJWT does not validate the crit (Critical) Header Parameter defined in RFC 7515 §4.1.11. When a JWS token contains a crit array listing extensions that PyJWT does not understand, the library accepts the token instead of rejecting it. This violates the MUST requirement in the RFC. This vulnerability is fixed in 2.12.0.

Affected versions

pyjwt: < 2.12.0 Fixed: See vendor advisory.

Why it matters

Review the vendor advisory and exposure of the affected product to determine operational impact.

Detection & mitigation

  • Apply vendor-provided updates or mitigations.
  • Review affected product exposure and access logs.

Public PoC references

RepositoryAuthorFirst seenReference
github.comNVD reference2026-03-13Verified