CVE-2026-42484 is a critical vulnerability identified in Hashcat v7.1.2, specifically within the PKZIP hash parser's hex_to_binary function. This vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit a heap-based buffer overflow, leading to potential denial of service or arbitrary code execution through specially crafted PKZIP hash files. The affected modules include 17200, 17210, 17220, 17225, and 17230. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input-length validation when decoding attacker-controlled hex data from user-supplied hash strings.
With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical. The implications of such a high severity rating are significant, as they indicate a strong likelihood of exploitation in the wild without the need for elevated privileges or user interaction. Organizations using affected versions of Hashcat must recognize the urgency of addressing this vulnerability.
Risk to organizations includes the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary code or disrupt services, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations are advised to prioritize remediation efforts to prevent exploitation.
Currently, there are no known exploits publicly available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the critical nature of this flaw necessitates immediate attention from security teams to ensure that systems are effectively patched.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the PKZIP hash parser's handling of hex data. When the data_type_enum is less than or equal to one, attacker-controlled input is decoded into a fixed-size buffer, resulting in a heap-based buffer overflow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write.
This vulnerability affects Hashcat version 7.1.2 and its associated modules. It was published on May 1, 2026, and is currently marked as modified.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-42484 is the lack of proper input-length validation during the decoding process of hex data. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability via the network, given its low complexity and the absence of required privileges or user interaction.
Since the attack requires no authentication and can be executed through crafted data sent over the network, the exploitation potential is significant. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by allowing unauthorized code execution and service disruption.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is substantial, given the critical nature of the exploitation vector. Organizations using Hashcat for processing sensitive hash data may face severe consequences if this vulnerability is exploited. The potential blast radius includes loss of integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data.
Organizations should assess their exposure and implement mitigations accordingly. The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score of 9.8 indicates that immediate action is required to avoid potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects Hashcat version 7.1.2. Organizations should ensure they are using the patched version to mitigate risk. If version information is missing, note that all versions prior to the vendor patch are vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of Hashcat that contains the fix for this vulnerability. Monitoring should be implemented to detect any unauthorized attempts to exploit this vulnerability, and configuration hardening should be applied to limit exposure.
For further assistance, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to validate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should look for log indicators of anomalies related to hash processing. Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts is recommended. Additionally, system changes should be tracked to identify unauthorized modifications.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-42484 highlights the importance of secure coding practices within widely-used tools like Hashcat. This vulnerability underscores a pattern of vulnerabilities associated with buffer overflow issues, emphasizing the need for ongoing security assessments.
Security teams should take this opportunity to review their application security measures and implement training for developers on secure coding practices. For more comprehensive security strategies, organizations can refer to penetration testing methodology and ensure their defenses are robust against future vulnerabilities.
Additionally, organizations should consider strategies outlined in vulnerability management program design to effectively address vulnerabilities in their systems.
Finally, organizations should stay informed about ongoing security trends and evolving threats by following resources such as API penetration testing guide to enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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