CVE-2026-33491 Zen-C has Stack-Based Buffer Overflow in Identifier Mangling
Attackers can execute arbitrary code or crash the Zen C compiler by providing a source file with excessively long identifiers.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-33491?
CVE-2026-33491 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in zenc-lang zenc, published on 26 Mar 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
Zen C is a systems programming language that compiles to human-readable GNU C/C11. Prior to version 0.4.4, a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Zen C compiler allows attackers to cause a compiler crash or potentially execute arbitrary code by providing a specially crafted Zen C source file (`.zc`) with excessively long struct, function, or trait identifiers. Users are advised to update to Zen C version v0.4.4 or later to receive a patch.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-33491?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Zenc-Lang Zen C.
How do I fix CVE-2026-33491?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-33491 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2026-33491 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-33491 exists.
Other vulnerabilities in zenc-lang zenc
Sources
Also known as GHSA-rv74-w6q7-h8xr.