CVE-2026-26828 in owntone-server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/23/2026
A NULL pointer dereference in the daap_reply_playlists function (src/httpd_daap.c) of owntone-server commit 3d1652d allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via sending a crafted DAAP request to the server
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-26828 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the owntone-server media streaming platform. This issue specifically manifests in the daap_reply_playlists function located in the src/httpd_daap.c source file, where the application fails to properly validate input parameters before attempting to dereference a pointer that may be null. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms that should have been implemented to handle malformed DAAP (Digital Audio Access Protocol) requests. The affected version corresponds to commit 3d1652d of the owntone-server repository, indicating this is a regression or oversight in the codebase that was introduced in a recent development cycle.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious DAAP request and sends it to the vulnerable server instance. The daap_reply_playlists function processes this request without adequate null pointer checks, causing the application to attempt to access memory at a null address. This fundamental programming error leads to an immediate application crash or termination, resulting in a denial of service condition that renders the media streaming service unavailable to legitimate users. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities that can be exploited to cause application instability and system unavailability. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level, targeting the DAAP implementation within the server's HTTP daemon component, making it particularly dangerous for media server deployments where continuous availability is essential.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations and individuals relying on owntone-server for media streaming services. The denial of service condition can be easily triggered by any attacker with network access to the server, requiring minimal technical expertise to exploit. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as it can affect media libraries, streaming sessions, and user access to digital audio content. The vulnerability affects all versions of owntone-server that incorporate the problematic commit, potentially impacting numerous deployments across different environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to disrupt media services without requiring authentication or elevated privileges, making it particularly attractive for malicious actors seeking to cause service disruption. The server's inability to process legitimate DAAP requests after exploitation creates cascading effects that can impact user experience and service availability metrics.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address the null pointer dereference in the daap_reply_playlists function. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict access to DAAP ports and services where possible. The recommended approach involves applying the specific code fix that adds proper null pointer validation before dereferencing any pointers within the affected function. Additionally, implementing input sanitization measures and request validation can provide additional defense-in-depth layers against similar vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous DAAP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix should be validated through comprehensive testing to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the null pointer dereference condition. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious DAAP protocol traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and defensive programming practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network disruption and service availability compromise.