GNOME libxml2 up to 2.10.x XML use after free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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7.0$0-$5k5.03-

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability categorized as critical has been discovered in GNOME libxml2 up to 2.10.x. This affects an unknown function of the component XML Handler. Executing a manipulation can lead to use after free. This vulnerability appears as CVE-2026-6653. The attack may be performed from remote. There is no available exploit. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in GNOME libxml2 up to 2.10.x. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects an unknown functionality of the component XML Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a use after free vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-416. Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

Use After Free in libxml2's xmlParseInternalSubset from GNOME libxml2 version 2.9.11 to 2.11.0 allows a remote attacker to cause a denial-of-service via maliciously crafted XML input with improper entity resolution handling.

The weakness was presented by Geoffrey Humphreys. The advisory is shared for download at bugs.launchpad.net. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-6653 since 04/20/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available.

It is declared as proof-of-concept. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 321971 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-6653), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 2.11.0 eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (321971). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

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Version

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Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CNA CVSS-B Score: 🔒
CNA CVSS-BT Score: 🔒
CNA Vector: 🔒

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.0

VulDB Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Temp Score: 7.0
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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

Exploitinginfo

Class: Use after free
CWE: CWE-416 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔒
Status: Proof-of-Concept
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Nessus ID: 321971
Nessus Name: Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-6653

Threat Intelligenceinfo

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

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: libxml2 2.11.0

Timelineinfo

04/20/2026 CVE reserved
06/22/2026 +63 days Advisory disclosed
06/22/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
06/23/2026 +1 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: gnome.org

Advisory: bugs.launchpad.net
Researcher: Geoffrey Humphreys
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-6653 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-6653
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-372688

Entryinfo

Created: 06/22/2026 17:27
Updated: 06/23/2026 02:15
Changes: 06/22/2026 17:27 (70), 06/23/2026 02:15 (2)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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