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Security Alerts

CVE-2026-42484: Heap buffer overflow in hashcat PKZIP hash parser

A heap-based buffer overflow in hex_to_binary in the PKZIP hash parser in hashcat v7.1.2 allows an attacker to cause denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PKZIP hash file.

Summary

ParameterValue
CVE IDCVE-2026-42484
Alert SourceGitHub Advisory - Critical Vulnerability
CVE Publication Year2026
Date Published2026-05-01
VendorHashcat
ProductHashcat
CVSS Score9.8 (critical)
EPSS ScoreNo data
CISA KEVNo
RansomwareNot confirmed

Vulnerability Description

A heap-based buffer overflow in hex_to_binary in the PKZIP hash parser in hashcat v7.1.2 allows an attacker to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PKZIP hash file. The issue affects modules 17200, 17210, 17220, 17225, and 17230. When data_type_enum<=1, attacker-controlled hex data from a user-supplied hash string is decoded into a fixed-size buffer without proper input-length validation.

Required Actions

Update hashcat to a release newer than 7.1.2 that contains the fix. Until updated, do not load PKZIP hash files from untrusted sources and avoid using modules 17200, 17210, 17220, 17225, 17230 with unverified data. As with other hashcat issues, consider isolating the tool (container/VM).

Who Is Affected?

This vulnerability affects Hashcat by the Hashcat project. Check whether your organization uses hashcat to process PKZIP hashes and roll out the update.

Sources


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