ngtcp2: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2026-40170 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in ngtcp2, 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 ngtcp2 versions: < 1.22.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.79% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 57% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of ngtcp2 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ngtcp2 | ngtcp2 | < 1.22.1 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Hardened Images | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 | Not specified in the record | 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
- 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).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA |
Official description
ngtcp2 is a C implementation of the IETF QUIC protocol. In versions prior to 1.22.1, ngtcp2_qlog_parameters_set_transport_params() serializes peer transport parameters into a fixed 1024-byte stack buffer without bounds checking. When qlog is enabled, a remote peer can send sufficiently large transport parameters during the QUIC handshake to cause writes beyond the buffer boundary, resulting in a stack buffer overflow. This affects deployments that enable the qlog callback and process untrusted peer transport parameters. This issue has been fixed in version 1.22.1. If developers are unable to immediately upgrade, they can disable the qlog on client.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
The product writes past the end of a buffer that was allocated on the stack.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- 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.
- Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. Not a complete solution.
- Implement and perform bounds checking on input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- github.com/ngtcp2/ngtcp2/security/advisories/GHSA-f523-465f-8c8fExploit, Mitigation
Patches and release notes
- github.com/ngtcp2/ngtcp2/commit/708a7640c1f48fb8ffb540c4b8ea5b4c1dfb8ee5
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/17/12Exploit, Mailing List, Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in ngtcp2
- 8.2 High severity
Recent Stack-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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