libexpat up to 2.7.3 XML_ExternalEntityParserCreate null pointer dereference

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.0$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in libexpat up to 2.7.3. It has been classified as problematic. Affected by this vulnerability is the function XML_ExternalEntityParserCreate. This manipulation causes null pointer dereference. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2026-24515. The attack can only be executed locally. There is no exploit available. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in libexpat up to 2.7.3. It has been declared as problematic. Affected by this vulnerability is the function XML_ExternalEntityParserCreate. 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. The summary by CVE is:

In libexpat before 2.7.4, XML_ExternalEntityParserCreate does not copy unknown encoding handler user data.

The advisory is shared at github.com. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2026-24515 since 01/23/2026. The exploitation appears to be difficult. An attack has to be approached locally. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 296261 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-24515), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 2.7.4 eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at Tenable (296261) and CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2026-2189). Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Affected

  • Dell PowerProtect Data Domain

Productinfo

Name

Version

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 2.6
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 2.6

VulDB Base Score: 2.5
VulDB Temp Score: 2.4
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 2.5
NVD Vector: 🔒

CNA Base Score: 2.9
CNA Vector (MITRE): 🔒

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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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: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Nessus ID: 296261
Nessus Name: Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-24515

Threat Intelligenceinfo

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

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: libexpat 2.7.4

Timelineinfo

01/23/2026 Advisory disclosed
01/23/2026 +0 days CVE reserved
01/23/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
07/03/2026 +161 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Product: github.com

Advisory: github.com
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-24515 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-24515
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-342529
CERT Bund: WID-SEC-2026-2189 - Dell PowerProtect Data Domain: Mehrere Schwachstellen

Entryinfo

Created: 01/23/2026 09:05
Updated: 07/03/2026 23:59
Changes: 01/23/2026 09:05 (63), 01/23/2026 23:42 (2), 01/31/2026 06:11 (11), 02/06/2026 00:03 (8), 06/02/2026 19:21 (1), 07/03/2026 23:59 (7)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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