CVE-2026-82720

CVE-2026-82720 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Nlnetlabs Unbound with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.9. 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-416.

Key facts

Description

NLnet Labs Unbound 1.12.0 up to and including 1.26.0 has a use-after-free vulnerability when compiled for DNS-over-HTTPs support with '--with-libnghttp2'. During failure code paths (i.e., RPZ drop query, jostle due to heavy traffic), a dropped DoH stream brings down the whole DoH session and does not account properly for other DoH streams in the same session. This leads to use-after-free in those code paths. If the prerequisites are satisfied (possible RPZ drop or heavy client traffic), a malicious actor can trigger the vulnerability with a single DoH connection and the appropriate traffic. Impact is limited as the reads are not user controlled and the use-after-free leads to early returns. However, a hardened allocator can catch the use-after-free and controllably terminate the process resulting to denial of service.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-82720?
NLnet Labs Unbound 1.12.0 up to and including 1.26.0 has a use-after-free vulnerability when compiled for DNS-over-HTTPs support with '--with-libnghttp2'. During failure code paths (i.e., RPZ drop query, jostle due to heavy traffic), a dropped DoH stream brings down the whole DoH session and does not account properly for other DoH streams in the same session. This leads to use-after-free in those code paths. If the prerequisites are satisfied (possible RPZ drop or heavy client traffic), a malicious actor can trigger the vulnerability with a single DoH connection and the appropriate traffic. Impact is limited as the reads are not user controlled and the use-after-free leads to early returns. However, a hardened allocator can catch the use-after-free and controllably terminate the process resulting to denial of service.
How severe is CVE-2026-82720?
CVE-2026-82720 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.9, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-82720 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-82720?
CVE-2026-82720 affects Nlnetlabs Unbound. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-82720?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2026-82720 published?
CVE-2026-82720 was published on 2026-09-16 and last updated on 2026-09-23.

References

Affected products (1)

More vulnerabilities in Nlnetlabs Unbound

All CVEs affecting Nlnetlabs Unbound →

Other CWE-416 (Use After Free) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-416 (Use After Free) vulnerabilities →