CVE-2026-26076
Resource Exhaustion via Malformed NTS Packets in ntpd-rs
Publication date: 2026-02-12
Last updated on: 2026-02-23
Assigner: GitHub, Inc.
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| tweedegolf | ntpd-rs | to 1.7.1 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-770 | The product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any intended restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability exists in ntpd-rs, a full-featured implementation of the Network Time Protocol. Prior to version 1.7.1, an attacker can remotely cause the server's CPU usage to increase moderately (2-4 times above normal). Specifically, when NTS (Network Time Security) is enabled, an attacker can send malformed NTS packets that force the server to expend significantly more effort by requesting a large number of cookies. This results in degraded server performance even if the server could normally handle the load.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
The vulnerability can lead to degraded performance of the ntpd-rs server by causing increased CPU usage. This means the server may become slower or less responsive, potentially affecting time synchronization services that rely on it. In environments where accurate and timely network time is critical, this degradation could impact dependent systems or applications.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate this vulnerability, upgrade the ntpd-rs server to version 1.7.1 or later, where the issue is fixed.