CVE-2026-16381: Same-origin policy bypass in the Networking: DNS component

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CRITICAL 9.1REMOTEUPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-16381 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting firefox, thunderbird. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Same-origin policy bypass in the Networking: DNS component. This vulnerability was fixed in Firefox 153, Firefox ESR 140.13, Thunderbird 153, and Thunderbird 140.13.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.1 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 94%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-346
Published	2026-07-21
Last modified	2026-10-24

Publisher (CNA): Mozilla Corporation · Vendor: mozilla

Last updated 2026-10-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-07-21 13:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-24 20:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mozilla firefox UPGRADE

Affected: < 140.13.0 · < 153.0.0

Fixed in: 140.13.0, 153.0.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy firefox || rpm -q firefox || firefox --version

2. UPGRADE to 140.13.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade firefox

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade firefox

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

mozilla thunderbird UPGRADE

Affected: < 140.13.0 · >= 141.0 and < 153.0

Fixed in: 140.13.0, 153.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 141.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy thunderbird || rpm -q thunderbird || thunderbird --version

2. UPGRADE to 140.13.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade thunderbird

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade thunderbird

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 141.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison thunderbird sudo apt install thunderbird=<VERSION_BEFORE_141.0> sudo apt-mark hold thunderbird

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list thunderbird sudo dnf downgrade thunderbird-<VERSION_BEFORE_141.0> sudo dnf versionlock add thunderbird

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2026-16381?

firefox: upgrade to 140.13.0, 153.0.0; thunderbird: upgrade to 140.13.0, 153.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-16381 being exploited?

CVE-2026-16381 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-2026-16381 affect?

CVE-2026-16381 affects firefox, thunderbird. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). Same-origin policy bypass in the Networking: DNS component. This vulnerability was fixed in Firefox 153, Firefox ESR 140.13, Thunderbird 153, and Thunderbird 140.13.

How urgent is CVE-2026-16381?

Priority 38/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Mozilla Firefox vulnerabilities · Mozilla Thunderbird vulnerabilities

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References

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