CVE-2015-8381

What it is

The compile_regex function in pcre_compile.c in PCRE before 8.38 and pcre2_compile.c in PCRE2 before 10.2x mishandles the /(?J:(?|(:(?|(?'R')(\k'R')|((?'R')))H'Rk'Rf)|s(?'R'))))/ and /(?J:(?|(:(?|(?'R')(\z(?|(?'R')(\k'R')|((?'R')))k'R')|((?'R')))H'Ak'Rf)|s(?'R')))/ patterns, and related patterns with certain group references, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted regular expression, as demonstrated by a JavaScript RegExp object encountered by Konqueror.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

5.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2015-12-02 01:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 00:34 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 5.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2015-12-02 01:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:34 UTC

Exploit probability

5.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-119 · Buffer errors

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Pcre Perl Compatible Regular Expression Library ≤ 8.37

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 7.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Partial

Integrity

Partial

Availability

Partial

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2015-8381.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2015-8381. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge