CVE-2026-78497 JQ::Lite versions before 2.51 for Perl execute Perl code embedded in a query's regular expression by compiling it with string eval.
Attackers can execute arbitrary Perl code by injecting code blocks into regular expressions within JQ::Lite queries.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-78497?
CVE-2026-78497 is a high-severity code injection vulnerability, published on 18 Oct 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
JQ::Lite versions before 2.51 for Perl execute Perl code embedded in a query's regular expression by compiling it with string eval.
The pattern given to test(), match(), or the match and =~ conditions of select() is placed in a `qr'...'` literal and compiled as source text, so a `(?{ ... })` code block in it runs without `use re 'eval'`. Single quotes in the pattern are escaped, but a code block runs in place and needs none.
An attacker who supplies a query, or text that an application inserts into the pattern of one, can execute arbitrary Perl code in the calling process.
Weakness: CWE-95
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-78497?
How do I fix CVE-2026-78497?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-78497 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and never evaluate templates, expressions or code built from user input. More about Code injection.
Is CVE-2026-78497 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-78497 in the wild and no public exploit code.