CVE-2026-54898

What it is

Oj (Optimized JSON) is a JSON parser and Object marshaller packaged as a Ruby gem. In versions prior to 3.17.2,Oj::Parser#parse is vulnerable to a heap use-after-free when a SAJ/SAJ2 callback mutates the input JSON string during parsing. The C engine holds a raw const byte * pointer into the Ruby string's internal buffer. If a callback (e.g. hash_start) resizes the string — for example by calling String#replace with a longer value — Ruby reallocates the string buffer and frees the old one. The C parser's pointer is left dangling; the next character read at parser.c:607 is a use-after-free. This issue has been fixed in version 3.17.2.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-07-01 00:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-25 17:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-07-01 00:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-25 17:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-416 · Use after free

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 2.1

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

Present

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

Low