Tnef: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2026-103678 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Tnef from Tnef Project, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Tnef versions: 1.4.18 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.24% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Tnef you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tnef Project | Tnef | 1.4.18 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.4 | Medium | CNA (puiterwijk.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
A flaw was found in tnef. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by providing a specially crafted file containing uncompressed Rich Text Format (RTF) data. Because the application fails to properly validate input buffer boundaries before copying data in get_rtf_data_from_buf(), reading beyond the allocated memory occurs. This flaw can cause the application to crash, leading to a Denial of Service (DoS), or leak sensitive memory contents into extracted output files.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-103678Third Party Advisory
- bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2544476Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
Other references
- github.com/verdammelt/tnefProduct
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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