CVE-2026-42616
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Heap Buffer Overflow in NTFS-3G

Publication date: 2026-10-07

Last updated on: 2026-10-07

Assigner: MITRE

Description
In NTFS-3G before 2026.7.7, a heap buffer overflow exists in cat() in ntfscat.c that allows an attacker to corrupt heap memory in the ntfscat binary by crafting a malicious NTFS image. The overflow is triggered by reading a file.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-10-07
Last Modified
2026-10-07
Generated
2026-10-07
AI Q&A
2026-10-07
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-42616
EUVD
EUVD-2026-94356

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Exploitability

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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

CVE-2026-42616 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the NTFS-3G file system driver. It exists in the cat() function within ntfscat.c and affects versions up to 2026.2.25. An attacker can exploit this by creating a malicious NTFS image that triggers a heap memory corruption when a file is read using the ntfscat utility.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check the installed version of NTFS-3G on your system. Run `ntfsinfo --version` or `ntfs-3g --version` to verify if the version is below 2026.7.7. If you use the ntfscat utility, monitor for crashes or unusual behavior when processing NTFS images.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can lead to heap memory corruption in the ntfscat binary, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution or denial-of-service conditions. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction but no special privileges. Systems using vulnerable NTFS-3G versions may experience crashes or unauthorized code execution when processing malicious NTFS images.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability primarily impacts system integrity and availability due to potential heap corruption and arbitrary code execution risks. While not directly targeting data confidentiality, it could lead to unauthorized access or data corruption, which may indirectly affect compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA by compromising data integrity or availability.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update NTFS-3G to version 2026.7.7 or later. Avoid running ntfscat as a superuser. If updating is not possible, refrain from using ntfscat on untrusted NTFS images until patched.

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