Out-of-bounds read in ZBar SQ code decoder leaks heap memory
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- Passive
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Attack requirements
- None
- Impact type
- —
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- Low · None · High
- Fix status
- No fix listed
Attack profile from CVSS 4.0 · CNA. Fix status from CNA.
Summary
ZBar through 0.23.95 contains an out-of-bounds read in _zbar_sq_decode() in zbar/sqcode.c, which is classified as CWE-125. A skewed SQ code finder pattern near the image edge produces unchecked sample coordinates, so the decoder reads heap memory outside the image buffer. A local attacker needs no privileges, but a user must process a crafted image for the decoder to crash and leak heap bytes into its output.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-04
Description from the CNA
ZBar through 0.23.95 contains an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in _zbar_sq_decode() in zbar/sqcode.c that allows attackers to read heap memory outside the image buffer via crafted SQ code images. Attackers can supply an image with a skewed SQ code finder pattern near the edge, producing unchecked sample coordinates that crash the decoder and leak bytes into output.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- Poc
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Partial
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
Remediation
The sources list no fixed version for ZBar.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-04
Vendor assessments
Timeline
- 2026-11-04 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-121942
- 2026-11-04 Alias added: GHSA-mcxw-xh39-2qjq
- 2026-11-04 Affected versions changed · Red Hat
- 2026-11-04 CVSS score added · Red Hat
- 2026-11-04 CISA SSVC decision points changed
References
Sources
- CVE-2026-121942 · CVE Program
- CVE-2026-121942 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-mcxw-xh39-2qjq · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
- CVE-2026-121942 · Red Hat security data · CC BY 4.0
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