CVE-2026-31971

htslib: HTSlib is a library for reading and writing bioinformatics file formats

CVE-2026-31971 is fixed in htslib on 1 platform by DEBIAN-CVE-2026-31971 (version 1.24-2), released March 18, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: High.

High
CVSS
8.1
high
Exploitation
None reported
No vendor assessment
CISA KEV
Not listed
Not in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
EPSS
0.0036
29th percentile

HTSlib is a library for reading and writing bioinformatics file formats. CRAM is a compressed format which stores DNA sequence alignment data using a variety of encodings and compression methods. When reading data encoded using the `BYTE_ARRAY_LEN` method, the `cram_byte_array_len_decode()` failed to validate that the amount of data being unpacked matched the size of the output buffer where it was to be stored. Depending on the data series being read, this could result either in a heap or a stack overflow with attacker-controlled bytes. Depending on the data stream this could result either in a heap buffer overflow or a stack overflow. If a user opens a file crafted to exploit this issue it could lead to the program crashing, overwriting of data structures on the heap or stack in ways not expected by the program, or changing the control flow of the program. It may be possible to use this to obtain arbitrary code execution. Versions 1.23.1, 1.22.2 and 1.21.1 include fixes for this issue. There is no workaround for this issue.

Where it's fixed

ProductFixed inFixReleased
Linux
htslib · Debian 14 1.24-2 DEBIAN-CVE-2026-31971 Mar 18, 2026

Patch Radar data is free to use with attribution. Terms and how to credit it.

Product names, logos and trademarks shown on Patch Radar belong to their respective owners. They are used only to identify the software each security fix applies to and to help readers find their platform. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, those owners, and Patchblox is not affiliated with any of them.