CVE-2026-54577 in mport
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2026
mport is the MidnightBSD Package Manager. Prior to 2.7.8, the audit command in mport/mport.c computed option-adjusted local_argv and local_argc values but passed the original argument entry to audit_package(). When an operator or automation used an option such as -r before a package name, stale optind state and the unadjusted argument could cause mport to audit the option token instead of the requested package, producing a false-negative or useless result that could leave a vulnerable package unidentified. The corrected parsing resets optind and optreset before using the adjusted local arguments. This issue is fixed in version 2.7.8.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2026
The MidnightBSD Package Manager mport contains a logic flaw within its audit command implementation that leads to incorrect argument processing when specific options are utilized prior to package identifiers. The vulnerability stems from how the software handles command-line parsing state variables, specifically optind and optreset, during the execution of security auditing functions. When an operator or automated system invokes the audit command with flags such as -r preceding a target package name, the internal logic computes adjusted local argument values but fails to properly synchronize these adjustments with the underlying getopt library's state management before passing arguments to the core auditing function. This discrepancy results in stale optind states where the parser does not correctly align its current position with the intended input sequence.
Consequently, instead of evaluating the specified package for known vulnerabilities, mport may inadvertently audit the option token itself or skip the target entirely due to misaligned argument pointers. This behavior produces false-negative outcomes wherein a vulnerable package remains unidentified because the tool is analyzing irrelevant data rather than the actual software component in question. In automated environments relying on precise exit codes and output parsing for compliance checks, this flaw can lead to significant security gaps as systems may be incorrectly marked as compliant despite harboring exploitable weaknesses. The root cause lies in the failure to reset optind and optreset before utilizing adjusted local arguments, which disrupts the expected flow of argument consumption within the getopt framework.
From a classification perspective, this issue aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation as it involves mishandling command-line inputs that lead to unintended program behavior. It also relates to CWE-841 Improper Enforcement of Behavioral Workflow since the execution path deviates from the intended security audit procedure due to state management errors. In terms of adversary tactics, this could be leveraged in ATT&CK technique T1530 Data from Information Repositories if an attacker were able to manipulate package sources or exploit misconfigurations derived from such false negatives during supply chain assessments. The vulnerability primarily impacts the integrity and reliability of security auditing processes rather than providing direct remote code execution capabilities, yet its impact on operational visibility is severe for system administrators dependent on accurate vulnerability reporting.
The recommended mitigation involves upgrading mport to version 2.7.8 or later where the parsing logic has been corrected to properly reset optind and optreset before processing adjusted local arguments. This ensures that the audit command correctly identifies and evaluates the intended package rather than option tokens. Organizations utilizing MidnightBSD should verify their current versions and apply updates promptly to restore accurate vulnerability detection capabilities. Additionally, implementing rigorous testing of security automation scripts against updated binaries can help confirm that false negatives are no longer occurring in production environments. Regular review of package manager configurations and audit outputs remains essential for maintaining a robust security posture within the MidnightBSD ecosystem.