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Out-of-bounds read in ZBar SQ code decoder leaks heap memory

Priority MEDIUM 64CWE-125Published · Updated

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

Exploitation Proof of concept CISA SSVC · not in CISA KEV
EPSS 0.0024 15th percentileScored 2026-11-07
Fix No fix listed No fixed version in the sources yet

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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed inStatusSource
mchehabzbarup to 0.23.95—No fix listedCNA
  • zbar Vendormchehab Affected up to 0.23.95 Fixed in — No fix listed CNA

Remediation

The sources list no fixed version for ZBar.

Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-04

Vendor assessments

Red Hat

Red Hat's page for this CVE →

Not affected: 1 product
  • Red Hat

Timeline

  1. 2026-11-04 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-121942
  2. 2026-11-04 Alias added: GHSA-mcxw-xh39-2qjq
  3. 2026-11-04 Affected versions changed · Red Hat
  4. 2026-11-04 CVSS score added · Red Hat
  5. 2026-11-04 CISA SSVC decision points changed

References

Sources