sleuthkit: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2026-40026 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in sleuthkit, 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 sleuthkit versions: 4.14.0 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 0.14% 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
- Update The Sleuth Kit to 4.14.0 or a later version.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleuthkit | sleuthkit | 4.14.0 and earlier | Not stated |
| Sleuthkit | The Sleuth Kit | before 4.14.0 | 4.14.0 |
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
- 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 | 4.8 | Medium | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 4.4 | Medium | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
The Sleuth Kit through 4.14.0 contains an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the ISO9660 filesystem parser where the parse_susp() function trusts len_id, len_des, and len_src fields from the disk image to memcpy data into a stack buffer without verifying that the source data falls within the parsed SUSP block. An attacker can craft a malicious ISO image that causes reads past the end of the SUSP data buffer, and a zero-length SUSP entry can trigger an infinite parsing loop.
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
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- mobasi.ai/sentinelThird Party Advisory
- vulncheck.com/advisories/sleuth-kit-iso9660-susp-extension-reference-out-of-bounds-readThird Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in sleuthkit
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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