Eval injection in JQ::Lite for Perl lets crafted queries run code
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CISA ADP. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-95.
Summary
JQ::Lite versions before 2.51 for Perl compile the regular expression from a query as source text with string eval, so a code block embedded in the pattern runs without use re 'eval' (CWE-95). An attacker who supplies a query, or text an application inserts into the pattern of one, can execute arbitrary Perl code in the calling process.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-10-28
Description from the CNA
JQ::Lite versions before 2.51 for Perl execute Perl code embedded in a query's regular expression by compiling it with string eval. The pattern given to test(), match(), or the match and =~ conditions of select() is placed in a `qr'...'` literal and compiled as source text, so a `(?{ ... })` code block in it runs without `use re 'eval'`. Single quotes in the pattern are escaped, but a code block runs in place and needs none. An attacker who supplies a query, or text that an application inserts into the pattern of one, can execute arbitrary Perl code in the calling process.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- None
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | JQ-Lite | before 2.51 | 2.51 | Patch available | CNA |
- JQ-Lite Vendor— Affected before 2.51 Fixed in 2.51 Patch available CNA
Remediation
Upgrade JQ-Lite to version 2.51, the fixed version.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-10-28
- Fix · CNA JQ-Lite Fixed in 2.51
Timeline
- 2026-10-18 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-78497
- 2026-10-20 CVSS score added · CISA ADP
- 2026-10-20 CISA SSVC decision points changed
References
Sources
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