CVE-2026-33721: MapServer has heap buffer overflow in SLD `Categorize` Threshold parsing

Published Mar 27, 2026
·
Updated

MapServer is a system for developing web-based GIS applications. Starting in version 4.2 and prior to version 8.6.1, a heap-buffer-overflow write in MapServer’s SLD (Styled Layer Descriptor) parser lets a remote, unauthenticated attacker crash the MapServer process by sending a crafted SLD with more than 100 Threshold elements inside a ColorMap/Categorize structure (commonly reachable via WMS GetMap with SLDBODY). Version 8.6.1 patches the issue.

Affected Software

2 affected components
MapServer MapServer>=4.2<8.6.1
OSGeo MapServer>=4.2.0<8.6.1

Event History

Mar 27, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:15 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:15 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:16 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-33721?

CVE-2026-33721 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to the potential for remote exploitation via heap buffer overflow.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-33721?

To fix CVE-2026-33721, upgrade MapServer to version 8.6.1 or later, as this version addresses the heap buffer overflow issue.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2026-33721?

CVE-2026-33721 affects all versions of MapServer from 4.2 up to but not including 8.6.1.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-33721?

CVE-2026-33721 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the SLD parser of MapServer.

5

Can CVE-2026-33721 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-2026-33721 can be exploited remotely by an unauthenticated attacker through malicious SLD inputs.

Contact

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