CVE-2026-11972: When using the "tarfile" module with a file opened in "streaming mode" (mode="r|") the tarfile module did not

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HIGH 8.2REMOTE

CVE-2026-11972 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.2) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

When using the "tarfile" module with a file opened in "streaming mode" (mode="r|") the tarfile module did not properly handle EOF, making archive parsing take exponentially longer.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.2 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 47%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-252, CWE-606, CWE-770
Published	2026-06-23
Last modified	2026-10-25

Publisher (CNA): Python Software Foundation

Last updated 2026-10-25 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Timeline

2026-06-23 23:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-25 23:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · log4cplus · FIXED · 2.2.0.1-2.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-fc241370c9 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-fc241370c9

Fedora ELN · velocitty · FIXED · 1.0.3-2.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-edae8cd295 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-edae8cd295

Debian 12 · pypy3 · NO FIX YET

Debian 13 · pypy3 · NO FIX YET

Debian 12 · python3.11 · NO FIX YET

Debian 13 · python3.13 · FIXED · 3.13.5-2+deb13u5

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade python3.13 dpkg --compare-versions "$(dpkg-query -W -f='${Version}' python3.13)" ge "3.13.5-2+deb13u5" && echo PATCHED || echo STILL-VULNERABLE

RHEL 10 · python3.12 · DEFERRED

RHEL 10 · python3.14 · DEFERRED

RHEL 6 · python · DEFERRED

RHEL 7 · python · DEFERRED

RHEL 7 · python3 · DEFERRED

Alpine 3.21 · python3 · FIXED · python3-3.12.14-r0

apk add --upgrade python3 apk info -v python3

Alpine 3.22 · python3 · FIXED · python3-3.12.14-r0

apk add --upgrade python3 apk info -v python3

Alpine 3.23 · python3 · FIXED · python3-3.12.14-r0

apk add --upgrade python3 apk info -v python3

Alpine 3.24 · python3 · FIXED · python3-3.14.7-r0

apk add --upgrade python3 apk info -v python3

Amazon Linux 2023 · see advisory · FIXED · ALAS2023-2026-1964 · source

sudo dnf update --advisory=ALAS2023-2026-1964

Amazon Linux 2 · see advisory · FIXED · ALAS2-2026-3826 · source

sudo yum update --advisory=ALAS2-2026-3826

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-11972?

No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.

Is CVE-2026-11972 being exploited?

CVE-2026-11972 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-11972 affect?

CVE-2026-11972 affects affected software. Severity is high (CVSS 8.2). When using the "tarfile" module with a file opened in "streaming mode" (mode="r|") the tarfile module did not properly handle EOF, making archive parsing take exponentially longer.

How urgent is CVE-2026-11972?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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