Cap'n Proto has Undefined Behavior in constant::Reader and StructSchema
Key facts
- Attack vector
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- Privileges required
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- User interaction
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- Attack complexity
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- Impact type
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- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
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- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub.
Summary
The safe API functions `constant::Reader::get` and `StructSchema::new` rely on `PointerReader::get_root_unchecked`, which can cause undefined behavior (UB) by constructing arbitrary words or schemas. ## `Reader::get` ```rust pub fn get(&self) -> Result<<T as Owned>::Reader<'static>> { // ... // UNSAFE: access `words` without validation } ``` ## `StructSchema::new` ```rust pub fn new(builder: RawBrandedStructSchema) -> StructSchema { // ... // UNSAFE: access encoded nodes without validation } ``` This vulnerability allows safe Rust code to trigger UB, which violates Rust's safety guarantees. The issue is resolved in version `0.24.0` by making constructor functions unsafe and mark the fields of struct as visible only in the crate.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | capnp (crates.io) | before 0.24.0 | 0.24.0 | Patch available | GHSA-5w5r-mf82-595p |
- capnp (crates.io) Vendor— Affected before 0.24.0 Fixed in 0.24.0 Patch available GHSA-5w5r-mf82-595p
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-5w5r-mf82-595p capnp (crates.io) Fixed in 0.24.0 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-5w5r-mf82-595p
References
Other 5
- https://github.com/capnproto/capnproto-rust/issues/605
- https://github.com/capnproto/capnproto-rust/commit/7b981f4c75a975c80444cd38729bcdf12bf3eabf
- https://github.com/capnproto/capnproto-rust/commit/e3aeec213e6d1b30a182bf61682a370f20d8a02c
- https://github.com/capnproto/capnproto-rust
- https://rustsec.org/advisories/RUSTSEC-2025-0143.html
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences