CVE-2026-0822 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability found in the quickjs-ng quickjs JavaScript engine, specifically in the js_typed_array_sort function within the quickjs.c source file. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 0.11.0. The flaw arises from improper handling of typed array sorting operations, which can lead to heap memory corruption when manipulated by crafted inputs. Because the vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring authentication or privileges, an attacker can trigger the overflow by supplying malicious data that causes the sorting function to overwrite adjacent heap memory. This can result in undefined behavior, including potential code execution, denial of service, or data leakage. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting the ease of remote exploitation (network vector), lack of required privileges, but requiring user interaction and having limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. A patch has been released and identified by commit 53eefbcd695165a3bd8c584813b472cb4a69fbf5, which corrects the buffer handling in the sorting function to prevent overflow. No known exploits are currently active in the wild, but a public exploit is available, increasing the risk of future attacks. Quickjs is often embedded in IoT devices, lightweight applications, and some web environments, making this vulnerability relevant to a broad range of systems that incorporate this JavaScript engine.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-0822 depends on the extent to which quickjs is integrated into their software stacks, particularly in embedded systems, IoT devices, or web applications. Successful exploitation could lead to heap memory corruption, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, cause application crashes, or leak sensitive data. This threatens the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, albeit at a limited scale due to the medium severity rating. Organizations in sectors relying heavily on embedded devices, such as manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure, may face increased risk. Additionally, the availability of a public exploit raises the likelihood of targeted attacks or opportunistic exploitation. Failure to patch could result in service disruptions, data breaches, or foothold establishment by attackers within corporate networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication makes perimeter defenses less effective, emphasizing the need for patch management and application-level mitigations.

European organizations should immediately identify all instances of quickjs-ng quickjs up to version 0.11.0 within their environments, including embedded devices, IoT platforms, and software applications. Deploy the official patch corresponding to commit 53eefbcd695165a3bd8c584813b472cb4a69fbf5 to remediate the buffer overflow. Where patching is not immediately feasible, implement application-layer input validation to detect and block malformed typed array sorting requests. Employ runtime protections such as heap memory integrity checks, address space layout randomization (ASLR), and control flow integrity (CFI) to mitigate exploitation impact. Monitor network traffic for anomalous patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts targeting the sorting function. Incorporate quickjs version checks into software supply chain audits to prevent deployment of vulnerable versions. Educate developers and system integrators about the risks of using outdated quickjs versions and encourage timely updates. Finally, maintain up-to-date intrusion detection and prevention systems capable of recognizing exploit signatures related to this vulnerability.