CVE-2026-54451

What it is

Elixir protobuf is a pure Elixir implementation of Google Protobuf. From 0.8.0 until 0.16.1, services that decode attacker-controlled protobuf bytes with Protobuf.Decoder can be taken offline when the schema contains a self-referential or cyclic message type. In lib/protobuf/decoder.ex, Protobuf.Decoder.value_for_field/3 handles an embedded?: true field by recursively entering the decode / build_message / handle_value / value_for_field call chain without enforcing a nesting-depth limit. Deeply nested embedded fields retain non-tail recursive frames, allowing a comparatively small request to consume substantial CPU and memory, pin a BEAM scheduler, and exhaust the node. This issue is fixed in version 0.16.1.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-09-17 19:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-09-24 21:16 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-09-17 19:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-09-24 21:16 UTC

Exploit probability

0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-674

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 8.2

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

Present

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

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-2026-54451.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-54451. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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