CVE-2026-42482: A stack-based buffer overflow in mangle_to_hex_lower() and mangle_to_hex_upper() in src/rp_cpu.c in hashcat v7

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2026-42482 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting hashcat. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A stack-based buffer overflow in mangle_to_hex_lower() and mangle_to_hex_upper() in src/rp_cpu.c in hashcat v7.1.2 allows an attacker to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted rule file, or via the -j or -k rule options used with password candidates of 128 or more characters. The vulnerability is caused by a bounds check that fails to account for the 2x expansion that occurs when password bytes are converted to

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 65%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787, CWE-121
Published	2026-05-01
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: hashcat

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-01 14:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

hashcat hashcat DOWNGRADE

Affected: 7.1.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.1.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.1.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison hashcat sudo apt install hashcat=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.1.2> sudo apt-mark hold hashcat

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list hashcat sudo dnf downgrade hashcat-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.1.2> sudo dnf versionlock add hashcat

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-2026-42482?

hashcat: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-42482 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42482 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-2026-42482 affect?

CVE-2026-42482 affects hashcat. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). A stack-based buffer overflow in mangle_to_hex_lower() and mangle_to_hex_upper() in src/rp_cpu.c in hashcat v7.1.2 allows an attacker to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted rule file, or via the -j or

How urgent is CVE-2026-42482?

Priority 53/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-42484 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE A heap-based buffer overflow in hex_to_binary in the PKZIP hash parser in hashcat v7.1.2 allows an attacker to
CVE-2026-42483 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE A heap-based buffer overflow in the Kerberos hash parser in hashcat v7.1.2 allows an attacker to cause a denia

References

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