CVE-2026-33256: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling in PowerDNS Recursor
CVE-2026-33256 is a medium severity vulnerability in PowerDNS Recursor versions 5.2.0, 5.3.0, and 5.4.0. It involves allocation of resources without limits or throttling in the internal web server, which is disabled by default. An attacker can send a web request that triggers unlimited memory allocation, potentially causing a denial of service. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-33256) affects PowerDNS Recursor versions 5.2.0, 5.3.0, and 5.4.0. It allows an unauthenticated attacker to cause the internal web server to allocate memory without limits or throttling by sending a crafted web request. This can lead to denial of service due to resource exhaustion. The internal web server is disabled by default, which reduces the exposure risk. There is no official patch or remediation level provided by the vendor at this time.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause denial of service by exhausting memory resources on the affected system. It does not impact confidentiality or integrity, only availability. Since the internal web server is disabled by default, the risk is lower unless the feature is explicitly enabled.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available. Mitigation includes ensuring the internal web server feature is disabled if not needed, as it is disabled by default. Monitor vendor advisories for updates regarding patches or official fixes.
CVE-2026-33256: Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling in PowerDNS Recursor
Description
CVE-2026-33256 is a medium severity vulnerability in PowerDNS Recursor versions 5.2.0, 5.3.0, and 5.4.0. It involves allocation of resources without limits or throttling in the internal web server, which is disabled by default. An attacker can send a web request that triggers unlimited memory allocation, potentially causing a denial of service. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.3medium
Affected software
pkg:github/powerdns/recursorRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-33256) affects PowerDNS Recursor versions 5.2.0, 5.3.0, and 5.4.0. It allows an unauthenticated attacker to cause the internal web server to allocate memory without limits or throttling by sending a crafted web request. This can lead to denial of service due to resource exhaustion. The internal web server is disabled by default, which reduces the exposure risk. There is no official patch or remediation level provided by the vendor at this time.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause denial of service by exhausting memory resources on the affected system. It does not impact confidentiality or integrity, only availability. Since the internal web server is disabled by default, the risk is lower unless the feature is explicitly enabled.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available. Mitigation includes ensuring the internal web server feature is disabled if not needed, as it is disabled by default. Monitor vendor advisories for updates regarding patches or official fixes.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- OX
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-18T10:06:16.572Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 69e89fe619fe3cd2cd8f5f3e
Added to database: 04/22/2026, 10:16:06 UTC
Last enriched: 07/02/2026, 23:39:57 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:58 UTC
Views: 102
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