CVE-2026-41257

What it is

jq is a command-line JSON processor. In 1.8.1 and earlier, the jq bytecode VM's data stack tracks its allocation size in a signed int. When the stack grows beyond ≈1 GiB (via deeply nested generator forks), the doubling arithmetic overflows. The wrapped value is passed to realloc and then used for a memmove with attacker-influenced offsets.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-05-11 18:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-26 18:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-05-11 18:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-26 18:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-190 · Integer overflow

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Jqlang Jq ≤ 1.8.1

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 6.4

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Passive

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High