OpenPLC_v3: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2026-11826 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in OpenPLC_v3 from Openplcproject, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected OpenPLC_v3 versions: b470206 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 0.75% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of OpenPLC_v3 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Openplcproject | OpenPLC_v3 | b470206 and earlier | Not stated |
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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.7 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
OpenPLC_v3 contains a heap-based buffer overflow in the getData() function in webserver/core/modbus_master.cpp. getData() reads characters between two delimiters into a caller-supplied buffer with no size parameter and no bounds check. In parseConfig() the function is invoked with the 100-byte heap-allocated MB_device.dev_name field. An authenticated attacker with access to the OpenPLC web interface can send a crafted HTTP POST to the /modbus endpoint with an oversized device_name value; the value is persisted to mbconfig.cfg and parsed on load, overflowing dev_name and overwriting adjacent struct fields (protocol at offset 108, dev_address at offset 109, ip_port at offset 210). A 200-byte payload writes 100 bytes past the allocation. The result is heap corruption leading to runtime crash and denial of service of the PLC process control loop, with attacker-controlled overwrite of adjacent configuration fields. The upstream repository was archived on 2026-04-04 and no fix is expected; the vendor has confirmed the issue does not affect OpenPLC Runtime v4.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
The product writes past the end of a buffer that was allocated on the heap.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Pre-design: Use a language or compiler that performs automatic bounds checking.
- Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. Not a complete solution.
- Use automatic buffer overflow detection mechanisms that are offered by certain compilers or compiler extensions. Examples include: the Microsoft Visual Studio /GS flag, Fedora/Red Hat FORTIFY_SOURCE GCC flag, StackGuard, and ProPolice, which provide various mechanisms including canary-based detection and range/index checking. D3-SFCV (Stack Frame Canary Validation) from D3FEND discusses canary-based detection in detail.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in OpenPLC_v3
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
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