CVE-2026-31971
Description
A flaw was found in HTSlib, a library used for bioinformatics file formats. When reading CRAM (Compressed Reference-oriented Alignment Map) files, the cram_byte_array_len_decode() function did not properly validate the size of incoming data against the allocated buffer. This memory corruption vulnerability allows a remote attacker to cause a heap or stack overflow by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted CRAM file. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, program crashes, or data corruption.
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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