Description
A malicious X server could exploit a buffer overflow in libX11 before 1.8.14 during handling of XkbGetMap overflowing the key_sym_map.
Published: 2026-09-21
Score: 7.5 High
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Remote Code Execution
Action: Patch
AI Analysis

Impact

A buffer overflow exists in libX11's processing of XkbGetMap requests. The overflow occurs when the key_sym_map buffer is written beyond its bounds, allowing an attacker to possibly execute arbitrary code within the context of a program that depends on libX11. The flaw exists in library versions prior to 1.8.14 and can be triggered by a malicious X server that sends specially crafted data.

Affected Systems

The vulnerability affects the X.Org libX11 library from the x.org project. All versions older than 1.8.14 are susceptible. The issue was identified in the release prior to 1.8.14.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high potential impact, while the EPSS score of < 1% indicates a low exploitation probability. The flaw is not yet listed in the CISA KEV catalog, which further reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation. However, a malicious X server can be run locally or over a network to deliver the attack. Therefore, the risk remains moderate to high, especially on systems that allow external X server connections.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 23, 2026 at 16:50 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade libX11 to version 1.8.14 or newer.
  • Restrict which X servers are allowed to connect by configuring the X authority files or employing access control lists.
  • Where upgrading is not immediately possible, isolate the X client processes from untrusted X servers by running them with the least privileges or by using security mechanisms such as SELinux or AppArmor to enforce execution restrictions.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 23, 2026 at 16:50 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories
Source ID Title
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-8913-1 libx11 vulnerabilities
History

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-787
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

threat_severity

Important


Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A malicious X server could exploit a buffer overflow in libX11 before 1.8.14 during handling of XkbGetMap overflowing the key_sym_map.
Title libX11 XkbGetMap Reply Heap-based Buffer Overflow
First Time appeared X.org
X.org libx11
Weaknesses CWE-122
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:x.org:libx11:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products X.org
X.org libx11
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}


cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: suse

Published:

Updated: 2026-09-22T03:55:48.003Z

Reserved: 2026-09-10T08:35:07.010Z

Link: CVE-2026-88806

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-09-21T14:39:41.457Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Awaiting Analysis

Published: 2026-09-21T14:17:22.273

Modified: 2026-09-22T19:40:05.870

Link: CVE-2026-88806

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Important

Publid Date: 2026-09-21T13:42:12Z

Links: CVE-2026-88806 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-09-23T17:00:08Z

Weaknesses