CVE-2026-3442: gnu binutils Out-of-bounds Read

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-3442 is a high (CVSS 7.1) Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability in gnu binutils. EPSS estimates a 0.20% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 8.9% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 15-03-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 01-09-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A flaw was found in GNU Binutils. This vulnerability, a heap-based buffer overflow, specifically an out-of-bounds read, exists in the bfd linker component. An attacker could exploit this by convincing a user to process a specially crafted malicious XCOFF object file. Successful exploitation may lead to the disclosure of sensitive information or cause the application to crash, resulting in an application level denial of service.

• CWE-125Out-of-bounds ReadThe product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.