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CVE-2026-31967

Htslib out-of-bounds read

9.1 CRITICALEPSS 0.54%
  1. Published18 Mar 2026

Description

HTSlib is a library for reading and writing bioinformatics file formats. CRAM is a compressed format which stores DNA sequence alignment data. In the `cram_decode_slice()` function called while reading CRAM records, the value of the mate reference id field was not validated. Later use of this value, for example when converting the data to SAM format, could result in the out of bounds array reads when looking up the corresponding reference name. If the array value obtained also happened to be a valid pointer, it would be interpreted as a string and an attempt would be made to write the data as part of the SAM record. This bug may allow information about program state to be leaked. It may also cause a program crash through an attempt to access invalid memory. Versions 1.23.1, 1.22.2 and 1.21.1 include fixes for this issue. There is no workaround for this issue.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork
Attack complexityLow
Privileges requiredNone
User interactionNone
ScopeUnchanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H

Affected products

Htslib≥ 1.22 < 1.22.2 · < 1.21.1 · 1.23

Remediation

Fixed in
Htslib≥ 1.22.2

References

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Frequently asked

Is CVE-2026-31967 being actively exploited?

CVE-2026-31967 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.54%.

How severe is CVE-2026-31967?

CVE-2026-31967 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.54% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2026-31967?

Affected products include Htslib.

How do I fix CVE-2026-31967?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Htslib 1.22.2 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-31967 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

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Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.