CVE-2026-44621: Libunbound applications configured with 'unwanted-reply-threshold' could eventually be abruptly terminated

Published Jul 22, 2026
·
Updated

Libunbound applications configured with 'unwanted-reply-threshold' could eventually be abruptly terminated

Other sources

With NLnet Labs Unbound up to and including version 1.25.1, applications using libunbound and configured with 'unwanted-reply-threshold', could eventually be abruptly terminated if the threshold is reached and libunbound needs to call 'libworkeralloccleanup' since the function is absent from the function call allow list. When an application using libunbound sets 'unwanted-reply-threshold' to any non-zero value and the iterator queries an authoritative that replies with enough wrong-transaction-ID UDP datagrams to cross the threshold, the 'libworkeralloccleanup' will eventually be called. Since the function is absent from the function call allow list, this leads to a fatal exit of libunbound and eventual termination of the embedding application.Unbound itself is not affected since its relevant function 'workeralloccleanup' is registed in the allow list and proceeds to perform the documented cache flush.

MITRE

Affected Software

3 affected componentsFixes available
Nlnet Labs Unbound<=1.25.1
Microsoft azl3 unbound 1.25.1-1<1.25.2-1
1.25.2-1
nlnetlabs Unbound<1.25.2

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.25.2-1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade unbound/libunbound to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.25.2

Event History

Jul 22, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:06 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:06 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·02:17 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jul 23, 2026
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:03 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:03 AM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:03 AM
DescriptionSeverity
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-44621?

The severity of CVE-2026-44621 is medium with a score of 5.9.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-44621?

To fix CVE-2026-44621, update Libunbound applications to a version newer than 1.25.1.

3

What causes the issue in CVE-2026-44621?

CVE-2026-44621 is caused by Libunbound applications configured with 'unwanted-reply-threshold' that may lead to abrupt termination.

4

Which applications are affected by CVE-2026-44621?

NLnet Labs Unbound versions up to and including 1.25.1 are affected by CVE-2026-44621.

5

What is meant by 'unwanted-reply-threshold' in CVE-2026-44621?

'Unwanted-reply-threshold' refers to a configuration setting in Libunbound that, when improperly set, can lead to application termination.

Contact

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