CVE-2026-15176: f5 nginx open source Heap-based Buffer Overflow

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-15176 is a critical (CVSS 9.2) Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in f5 nginx open source. EPSS estimates a 0.52% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 42.7% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 14-10-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 15-10-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A vulnerability exists in NGINX Plus and NGINX Open Source when a location is configured that uses the alias directive together with rewrite and a set or return directive referencing the $request_filename variable. Alternatively, the same result could be achieved when the $request_filename variable is used in an access log format directive. An unauthenticated attacker along with conditions beyond their control can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests. This may cause a heap buffer overflow in the NGINX worker process leading to a restart. Additionally, attackers can execute code on systems with Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) disabled or when the attacker can bypass ASLR. Impact: This vulnerability may allow remote attackers to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) on the NGINX system or to possibly trigger a code execution. There is no control plane exposure; this is a data plane issue only. Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated.

• CWE-122Heap-based Buffer OverflowA heap overflow condition is a buffer overflow, where the buffer that can be overwritten is allocated in the heap portion of memory, generally meaning that the buffer was allocated using a routine such as malloc().