hashcat contains a heap-based buffer overflow (out-of-bounds write) in the outfile_write() function in src/outfile.c. (CVE-2026-68768)
Hashcat contains a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the outfile_write() function located in src/outfile.c. The function assembles output into a fixed-size buffer (~16 MB) by sequentially appending components such as username, separator, hash, and plaintext without validating the total length against the buffer size. When executed with the --username --show options against a crafted hash file with an oversized username, the output exceeds the buffer capacity, causing a heap buffer overflow that can corrupt memory and crash the process.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-68768 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in hashcat's outfile_write() function. The vulnerability arises because the function appends multiple data elements into a fixed-size buffer without checking if the combined length exceeds the buffer size (HCBUFSIZ_LARGE, approximately 16 MB). Specifically, when run with the --username --show flags on a maliciously crafted hash file containing an oversized username, the buffer overflow occurs, leading to potential memory corruption and process crash. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-120 (buffer copy without checking size of input).
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause heap memory corruption and crash the hashcat process when exploited. There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity loss beyond process disruption. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.1 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector with low complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and impact limited to integrity and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid running hashcat with the --username --show options on untrusted or crafted hash files that may contain oversized usernames.
hashcat contains a heap-based buffer overflow (out-of-bounds write) in the outfile_write() function in src/outfile.c. (CVE-2026-68768)
Description
Hashcat contains a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the outfile_write() function located in src/outfile.c. The function assembles output into a fixed-size buffer (~16 MB) by sequentially appending components such as username, separator, hash, and plaintext without validating the total length against the buffer size. When executed with the --username --show options against a crafted hash file with an oversized username, the output exceeds the buffer capacity, causing a heap buffer overflow that can corrupt memory and crash the process.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.1medium
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-68768 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in hashcat's outfile_write() function. The vulnerability arises because the function appends multiple data elements into a fixed-size buffer without checking if the combined length exceeds the buffer size (HCBUFSIZ_LARGE, approximately 16 MB). Specifically, when run with the --username --show flags on a maliciously crafted hash file containing an oversized username, the buffer overflow occurs, leading to potential memory corruption and process crash. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-120 (buffer copy without checking size of input).
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause heap memory corruption and crash the hashcat process when exploited. There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity loss beyond process disruption. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.1 (medium severity), reflecting local attack vector with low complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and impact limited to integrity and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid running hashcat with the --username --show options on untrusted or crafted hash files that may contain oversized usernames.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-cm34-rh84-36rf
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-68768"]
- Ecosystems
- []
- Database Specific Severity
- MODERATE
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6a8a27f6acd9273b499bc941
Added to database: 08/22/2026, 22:51:34 UTC
Last enriched: 08/22/2026, 22:53:41 UTC
Last updated: 08/23/2026, 01:46:08 UTC
Views: 5
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