CVE-2026-55738 Stack Buffer Overflow in rxi/microtar raw_to_header() via non-null-terminated TAR name field
A stack buffer overflow in the microtar library allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via crafted TAR files.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-55738?
CVE-2026-55738 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in rxi microtar, published on 17 Jun 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
A stack-based buffer overflow exists in the raw_to_header function in src/microtar.c in rxi microtar 0.1.0. The function copies the 100-byte name and linkname fields of a TAR header with strcpy without guaranteeing null termination of the source.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-55738?
How do I fix CVE-2026-55738?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-55738 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-2026-55738 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-55738 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-7fm7-h87x-9hjq.