CVE-2026-48111: GHSL-2026-121 7-Zip UEFI DEPEX OOB Read
7-Zip is a file archiver with a high compression ratio. Versions 9.21 through 26.00 contain an off-by-one out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the ParseDepedencyExpression function of the UEFI firmware image parser(CPP/7zip/Archive/UefiHandler.cpp). The function validates an attacker-controlled opcode byte using > instead of >= against the element count of the 10-entry kExpressionCommands static array, allowing an opcode value of 10 to read one pointer slot (8 bytes on x64) past the end of the array in .rodata. The out-of-bounds value is then dereferenced as a const char and passed through strlen and memcpy into the archive's Characts property, which may cause either a denial of service (access violation when the adjacent bytes do not form a valid readable pointer) or a minor information disclosure of an adjacent .rdata string literal into archive metadata. The vulnerability is reached automatically during IInArchive::Open() via the call path OpenFv/OpenCapsule → ParseVolume → ParseSections when processing a SECTIONDXEDEPEX (0x13) or SECTIONPEIDEPEX (0x1B) section whose first body byte is 0x0A, and the UEFI handler is enabled by default in stock 7z.dll with signature-based detection for both UEFIc and UEFIf formats. The outcome (crash vs. silent leak) is deterministic per build but linker-layout dependent, with no write primitive and no disclosure of heap data, secrets, or ASLR base addresses. Version 26.01 fixes the issue.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
7-Zipto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 26.01 - Configuration
If the application supports it, disable the UEFI firmware image handler (UEFIc/UEFIf parsing) in 7z.dll or 7-Zip so the UEFI handler is not used when opening archives, preventing parsing of SECTION_DXE_DEPEX and SECTION_PEI_DEPEX sections.
7z.dll UEFI handler enabled = false - Compensating control
Until the fix is applied, avoid opening untrusted .7z archives and/or process 7z archives in an isolated sandbox or restricted environment to prevent exploitation during archive extraction.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-48111?
CVE-2026-48111 has a severity score of 7.1, categorized as high.
How do I fix CVE-2026-48111?
To fix CVE-2026-48111, you should apply the available patches for the affected 7-Zip versions.
What versions of 7-Zip are affected by CVE-2026-48111?
CVE-2026-48111 affects 7-Zip versions 9.21 through 26.00.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-48111?
CVE-2026-48111 is an off-by-one out-of-bounds read vulnerability within the UEFI firmware image parser.
Is CVE-2026-48111 a critical vulnerability?
CVE-2026-48111 is classified as high risk, indicating it poses a significant threat.