CVE-2026-5440: Memory Exhaustion via Unbounded Content-Length

Published Apr 9, 2026
·
Updated

A memory exhaustion vulnerability exists in the HTTP server due to unbounded use of the Content-Length header. The server allocates memory directly based on the attacker supplied header value without enforcing an upper limit. A crafted HTTP request containing an extremely large Content-Length value can trigger excessive memory allocation and server termination, even without sending a request body.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Orthanc-server Orthanc<1.12.11

Event History

Apr 9, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:43 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:43 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jun 24, 58257
Event
via FIRST·08:14 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-5440?

CVE-2026-5440 has a high severity rating of 7.5 based on the CVSS 3.1 scoring system.

2

What causes the vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-5440?

CVE-2026-5440 is caused by a memory exhaustion issue in the HTTP server due to the unbounded use of the Content-Length header.

3

How do I fix CVE-2026-5440?

To fix CVE-2026-5440, you should implement an upper limit on the Content-Length header in your HTTP server configuration.

4

Which software is affected by CVE-2026-5440?

CVE-2026-5440 affects the Orthanc-server software.

5

What are the potential effects of exploiting CVE-2026-5440?

Exploiting CVE-2026-5440 may lead to memory exhaustion, causing the server to become unresponsive.

Contact

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