CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-123554NVD status: Deferred

zebra: Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity

CVE-2026-123554 is a high-severity inefficient algorithmic complexity vulnerability in zebra from ZcashFoundation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 7.0.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating zebra to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.43% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update zebra to 7.0.0 or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ZcashFoundationzebra6.4.0 up to, but not including, 7.0.07.0.0

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
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
NoneNo data is disclosed.
Integrity
NoneNothing can be modified.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.08.7HighCNA (vulncheck.com)
CVSS 3.17.5HighCNA (vulncheck.com)

Official description

Zebra zebrad 6.4.0 before 7.0.0 performs quadratic work in the mempool coinbase-maturity check because Transaction::coinbase_spend_restriction() rebuilds the transaction's output list once per spent outpoint. Any connected peer can repeatedly send unsigned transactions with many transparent inputs and outputs, which are rejected without a misbehavior score, to pin verification threads.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity

An algorithm in a product has an inefficient worst-case computational complexity that may be detrimental to system performance and can be triggered by an attacker, typically using crafted manipulations that ensure that the worst case is being reached.

More Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity vulnerabilities (CWE-407)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in zebra

All zebra vulnerabilities

Recent Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity vulnerabilities

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