HarfBuzz up to 12.2.x src/hb-ot-cmap-table.hh create null pointer dereference

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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5.2$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability labeled as problematic has been found in HarfBuzz up to 12.2.x. This vulnerability affects the function SubtableUnicodesCache::create of the file src/hb-ot-cmap-table.hh. Executing a manipulation can lead to null pointer dereference. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2026-22693. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. No exploit is available. The affected component should be upgraded.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability has been found in HarfBuzz up to 12.2.x and classified as problematic. This vulnerability affects the function SubtableUnicodesCache::create of the file src/hb-ot-cmap-table.hh. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a null pointer dereference vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-476. A NULL pointer dereference occurs when the application dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid, but is NULL, typically causing a crash or exit. As an impact it is known to affect availability. CVE summarizes:

HarfBuzz is a text shaping engine. Prior to version 12.3.0, a null pointer dereference vulnerability exists in the SubtableUnicodesCache::create function located in src/hb-ot-cmap-table.hh. The function fails to check if hb_malloc returns NULL before using placement new to construct an object at the returned pointer address. When hb_malloc fails to allocate memory (which can occur in low-memory conditions or when using custom allocators that simulate allocation failures), it returns NULL. The code then attempts to call the constructor on this null pointer using placement new syntax, resulting in undefined behavior and a Segmentation Fault. This issue has been patched in version 12.3.0.

The advisory is shared for download at github.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-22693 since 01/08/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 282558 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-22693), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 12.3.0 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 1265ff8d990284f04d8768f35b0e20ae5f60daae is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at github.com. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at Tenable (282558) and EUVD (EUVD-2026-1871). Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.2

VulDB Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Temp Score: 5.1
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CNA Base Score: 5.3
CNA Vector (GitHub_M): 🔒

CVSSv2info

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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Null pointer dereference
CWE: CWE-476 / CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Nessus ID: 282558
Nessus Name: Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-22693

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: HarfBuzz 12.3.0
Patch: 1265ff8d990284f04d8768f35b0e20ae5f60daae

Timelineinfo

01/08/2026 CVE reserved
01/10/2026 +2 days Advisory disclosed
01/10/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
01/10/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Product: github.com

Advisory: GHSA-xvjr-f2r9-c7ww
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-22693 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-22693
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-340420
EUVD: 🔒

Entryinfo

Created: 01/10/2026 10:39
Updated: 01/10/2026 23:44
Changes: 01/10/2026 10:39 (67), 01/10/2026 23:30 (2), 01/10/2026 23:44 (1)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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