CVE-2026-72642
CVE-2026-72642 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-823.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (26th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-823
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The native inference process that Elasticsearch uses to evaluate uploaded machine learning models accepts a model operation that computes a memory address from an offset supplied inside the model, without validating that the offset stays within the bounds of the underlying storage. A user with the privileges required to upload and deploy a trained model can craft a model that reads and writes memory outside the intended allocation. The result is heap corruption that crashes the inference process, and, with sufficient control over the heap layout, could allow arbitrary code execution in the context of that process.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-72642?
- The native inference process that Elasticsearch uses to evaluate uploaded machine learning models accepts a model operation that computes a memory address from an offset supplied inside the model, without validating that the offset stays within the bounds of the underlying storage. A user with the privileges required to upload and deploy a trained model can craft a model that reads and writes memory outside the intended allocation. The result is heap corruption that crashes the inference process, and, with sufficient control over the heap layout, could allow arbitrary code execution in the context of that process.
- How severe is CVE-2026-72642?
- CVE-2026-72642 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2026-72642 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2026-72642?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2026-72642 published?
- CVE-2026-72642 was published on 2026-08-13 and last updated on 2026-08-14.
References
Other CWE-823 vulnerabilities
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- CVE-2022-0729 — High (CVSS 8.8): Use of Out-of-range Pointer Offset in GitHub repository vim/vim prior to 8.2.4440.
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- CVE-2023-20187 — High (CVSS 8.6): A vulnerability in the Multicast Leaf Recycle Elimination (mLRE) feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Cisco ASR 1000…