CVE-2026-31968
Description
A flaw was found in HTSlib, a library for reading and writing bioinformatics file formats. Specifically, within the CRAM (Compressed Reference-oriented Alignment Map) format, incomplete validation of context in the VARINT and CONST encodings could lead to a heap or stack buffer overflow. A remote attacker could exploit this by convincing a user to open a specially crafted file, potentially causing the program to crash, overwrite data structures, alter program control flow, and possibly achieve arbitrary code execution.
Statement
Red Hat Product Security has determined that this vulnerability does not affect any currently supported Red Hat product. This assessment may evolve based on further analysis and discovery. For more information about this vulnerability and the products it affects, please see the linked references.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Availability,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory
If the incorrect calculation is used in the context of memory allocation, then the software may create a buffer that is smaller or larger than expected. If the allocated buffer is smaller than expected, this could lead to an out-of-bounds read or write (CWE-119), possibly causing a crash, allowing arbitrary code execution, or exposing sensitive data.
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