Klibc: zlib versions 1.3.1.2 through 1.3.2 contain a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the gz_vacate() function
Affects klibcSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.4 High · fixed in 1:1.3.dfsg-3.1ubuntu2.3 : patch klibc soon.
Data as of 27 Oct 2026, 05:11 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 40% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 1:1.3.dfsg-3.1ubuntu2.3, 1:1.3.dfsg+really1.3.1-1ubuntu3.2, 1:1.3.dfsg+really1.3.2-3ubuntu1.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 3 Sep 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Upgrade the Ubuntu zlib to 1:1.3.dfsg-3.1ubuntu2.3 (package) or 1:1.3.dfsg+really1.3.1-1ubuntu3.2 (package) or 1:1.3.dfsg+really1.3.2-3ubuntu1.1 (package).
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 26.10klibcpkg:deb/ubuntu/klibc?arch=source&distro=stonkingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 26.10zlibpkg:deb/ubuntu/zlib?arch=source&distro=stonkingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.10zsyncpkg:deb/ubuntu/zsync?arch=source&distro=stonkingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSklibcpkg:deb/ubuntu/klibc?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSzlibpkg:deb/ubuntu/zlib?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSzsyncpkg:deb/ubuntu/zsync?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
Description
zlib versions 1.3.1.2 through 1.3.2 contain a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the gz_vacate() function. This occurs during non-blocking gzwrite() operations when stale external buffer pointers are processed. The overflow can be triggered by calling gzprintf() or gzvprintf() after a write stall, leading to an unchecked memmove() that writes beyond the internal input buffer boundary.
References
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-85091 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-85091 (opens in a new tab)
- gist.github.com/thesmartshadow/e0b9481792afb7c31e86fee1ff084490 (opens in a new tab)
- vulncheck.com/advisories/zlib-1.3.1.2-through-1.3.2-heap-buffer-overflow-via-gz-vacate (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8954-1 (opens in a new tab)