Description
A stack-based out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in the "s_vlog" function of stunnel, when handling oversized log messages via "vsnprintf". A remote attacker with network access to a stunnel service can send protocol inputs that trigger a log message longer than 1024 bytes, leading to an out-of-bounds stack read and a potential crash. In certain corner cases, the same vulnerability could be used to replace a series of trailing "\n" characters with "\0".
Published: 2026-08-04
Score: 6.5 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

The vulnerability resides in the s_vlog function, which uses vsnprintf to format log messages. When an attacker sends a protocol message that triggers a log entry longer than 1,024 bytes, the function performs an out‑of‑bounds read from the stack, potentially causing a crash. In certain edge cases the read may also allow alteration of trailing newline characters to null bytes, which could further destabilize the application. The impact is primarily a service disruption, as the crash leads to denial of service for legitimate users.

Affected Systems

This vulnerability affects stunnel installations packaged for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The affected releases are those contained in the kernel distributions listed; specific version numbers are not provided in the CVE data, so all prior versions of the stunnel package in these distributions should be considered at risk.

Risk and Exploitability

This is a moderate‑severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.5. The EPSS score is unavailable, and the issue is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog. The attack vector is remote over the network; a malicious client can directly craft oversized log messages against the service. Operator exposure is limited to correctly reaching the vulnerable stunnel instance, without requiring privileged local access.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 4, 2026 at 20:13 UTC.

Remediation

Vendor Workaround

To mitigate this issue, avoid exposing stunnel services to untrusted clients. Restrict access to these services to trusted networks only.


OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Configure firewall rules to restrict access to stunnel ports to trusted networks only.
  • Place the stunnel service behind an internal proxy or private network that blocks untrusted clients.
  • Monitor system logs for attempts to generate oversized log messages and investigate any anomalies.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 4, 2026 at 20:13 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Stunnel
Stunnel stunnel
Vendors & Products Stunnel
Stunnel stunnel

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Title stunnel: Stack-based out-of-bounds read/write in stunnel s_vlog via oversized log message Stunnel: stack-based out-of-bounds read/write in stunnel s_vlog via oversized log message
First Time appeared Redhat
Redhat enterprise Linux
CPEs cpe:/o:redhat:enterprise_linux:10
cpe:/o:redhat:enterprise_linux:6
cpe:/o:redhat:enterprise_linux:7
cpe:/o:redhat:enterprise_linux:8
cpe:/o:redhat:enterprise_linux:9
Vendors & Products Redhat
Redhat enterprise Linux
References

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A stack-based out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in the "s_vlog" function of stunnel, when handling oversized log messages via "vsnprintf". A remote attacker with network access to a stunnel service can send protocol inputs that trigger a log message longer than 1024 bytes, leading to an out-of-bounds stack read and a potential crash. In certain corner cases, the same vulnerability could be used to replace a series of trailing "\n" characters with "\0".
Title stunnel: Stack-based out-of-bounds read/write in stunnel s_vlog via oversized log message
Weaknesses CWE-125
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 6.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L'}

threat_severity

Moderate


Subscriptions

Redhat Enterprise Linux
Stunnel Stunnel
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: redhat

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-06T07:33:31.694Z

Reserved: 2026-08-04T07:03:23.572Z

Link: CVE-2026-70368

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-08-04T14:21:23.598Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Awaiting Analysis

Published: 2026-08-04T14:16:32.693

Modified: 2026-08-06T15:37:22.093

Link: CVE-2026-70368

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Moderate

Publid Date: 2026-08-04T10:30:31Z

Links: CVE-2026-70368 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-04T20:15:12Z

Weaknesses