CVE-2026-39979: jq: Out-of-Bounds Read in jv_parse_sized() Error Formatting for Non-NUL-Terminated Counted Buffers

Published Apr 13, 2026
·
Updated

jq is a command-line JSON processor. In commits before 2f09060afab23fe9390cce7cb860b10416e1bf5f, the jv_parse_sized() API in libjq accepts a counted buffer with an explicit length parameter, but its error-handling path formats the input buffer using %s in jv_string_fmt(), which reads until a NUL terminator is found rather than respecting the caller-supplied length. This means that when malformed JSON is passed in a non-NUL-terminated buffer, the error construction logic performs an out-of-bounds read past the end of the buffer. The vulnerability is reachable by any libjq consumer calling jv_parse_sized() with untrusted input, and depending on memory layout, can result in memory disclosure or process termination. The issue has been patched in commit 2f09060afab23fe9390cce7cb860b10416e1bf5f.

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
github/stedolan/jq<2f09060afab23fe9390cce7cb860b10416e1bf5f
Microsoft azl3 jq 1.7.1-4
jqlang jq<2026-04-12
Microsoft cbl2 jq 1.6-5

Event History

Apr 13, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:18 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:18 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·11:01 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Apr 17, 2026
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:01 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:01 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Updated
via Microsoft·08:01 AM
Affected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-39979?

CVE-2026-39979 has a medium severity rating due to its potential to cause out-of-bounds reads.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-39979?

To fix CVE-2026-39979, update jq to a version newer than 2f09060afab23fe9390cce7cb860b10416e1bf5f.

3

What software is affected by CVE-2026-39979?

CVE-2026-39979 affects versions of jq prior to 2f09060afab23fe9390cce7cb860b10416e1bf5f.

4

What is the nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2026-39979?

CVE-2026-39979 involves an out-of-bounds read in the jv_parse_sized() function when handling non-NUL-terminated buffers.

5

Is there a known exploit for CVE-2026-39979?

As of now, there are no publicly disclosed exploits specifically targeting CVE-2026-39979.

Contact

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