cfitsio: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2026-111124 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in cfitsio from HEASARC, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected cfitsio versions: 4.7.0 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 cfitsio you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on hackmd.io for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 6.9 | Medium | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 6.1 | Medium | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
CFITSIO through 4.7.0 contains a heap-based out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the imcompress.c unquantize helpers that allows attackers to read memory before the fits_rand_value table via a zero or negative ZDITHER0 seed. Attackers can supply a crafted FITS file with a SUBTRACTIVE_DITHER_1 compressed image, read through fits_open_file() and fits_read_pix(), to cause crashes or leak heap contents in decoded pixels.
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: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- hackmd.io/@haind-pwn/cfitsio-zdither0-dither-seed-oob-readExploit, Mitigation
Third-party and government advisories
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in cfitsio
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
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