CVE-2026-26197: Array full size, element count, and element size are not checked to make sure they match in H5Odtype.c
HDF5 is a high-performance library and a file format specification that implements the HDF5 data model. If a file is corrupted such that an array datatype's size, the number of elements, and the element size are not in agreement it can trigger an out of bounds read. The array datatype stores the full size of the datatype (dt->shared->size) separately from the number of elements (dt->shared->u.array.nelem) and the element size (dt->shared->parent->shared->size). If any one of these are corrupted so that they don't align with the others (element size nelem = full size), it can lead to an out of bounds read. Depending on what is corrupted, it can alter the type of out of bounds read triggered. The vulnerability is present only in files that have been maliciously altered, as its generally not possible to independently alter the full size of the datatype, the element count and the element size. As such, this is only present if a malicious actor is altering files, and won't appear in regular usage.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-26197?
The severity of CVE-2026-26197 is rated as high risk, with a score of 27.
What does CVE-2026-26197 affect?
CVE-2026-26197 affects the HDF5 high-performance library due to improper checks on array datatype attributes.
How do I fix CVE-2026-26197?
To fix CVE-2026-26197, ensure you update to the latest version of the HDF5 library that addresses the vulnerability.
What can be exploited in CVE-2026-26197?
CVE-2026-26197 can lead to an out of bounds read if the attributes of an array datatype are inconsistent.
How can I determine if I'm impacted by CVE-2026-26197?
You can determine if you're impacted by CVE-2026-26197 by checking if your use of the HDF5 library involves handling array data types and if you're using an affected version.