dnspython: Uncontrolled Resource Consumption
CVE-2026-128089 is a high-severity uncontrolled resource consumption vulnerability in dnspython from Rthalley, 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. Affected dnspython versions: < 2.9.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.53% 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 dnspython you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
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
- 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 (github.com).
Official description
dnspython is a DNS toolkit for Python. Prior to version 2.9.2, the from_text() parser for WKS records does not require the service number to be between 0 and 65535 before using it as a bitmap offset. An attacker-controlled zone file can supply a larger number, causing the service bitmap to grow to an extremely large size through inefficient repeated extension, consuming excessive memory and CPU and potentially terminating the process. Applications are affected only when they parse zone-file text whose record type and rdata are attacker controlled. This issue is fixed in version 2.9.2.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Uncontrolled Resource Consumption
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Ensure that protocols have specific limits of scale placed on them.
- Ensure that all failures in resource allocation place the system into a safe posture.
More Uncontrolled Resource Consumption vulnerabilities (CWE-400)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
References
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in dnspython
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Uncontrolled Resource Consumption vulnerabilities
- 8.7 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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