Vulnerability Description
Use-after-free (UAF) was possible in the `lzma.LZMADecompressor`, `bz2.BZ2Decompressor`, and `gzip.GzipFile` when a memory allocation fails with a `MemoryError` and the decompression instance is re-used. This scenario can be triggered if the process is under memory pressure. The fix cleans up the dangling pointer in this specific error condition. The vulnerability is only present if the program re-uses decompressor instances across multiple decompression calls even after a `MemoryError` is raised during decompression. Using the helper functions to one-shot decompress data such as `lzma.decompress()`, `bz2.decompress()`, `gzip.decompress()`, and `zlib.decompress()` are not affected as a new decompressor instance is used per call. If the decompressor instance is not re-used after an error condition, this usage is similarly not vulnerable.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/47128e64f98c3a20271138a98c2922bea2a3ee0
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/6a5f79c8d7bbf22b083b240910c7a8781a59437
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/8fc66aef6d7b3ae58f43f5c66f9366cc8cbbfcd
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/c3cf71c3366fe49acb776a639405c0eea6169c2
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/e20c6c9667c99ecaab96e1a2b3767082841ffc8
- https://github.com/python/cpython/commit/ea8d735eb084cf8cc021df1a30e90d10a8f052e
- https://github.com/python/cpython/issues/148395
- https://github.com/python/cpython/pull/148396
- https://mail.python.org/archives/list/[email protected]/thread/HTWB2Z
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/13/10
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:10117
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:10140
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:10141
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:10711
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:10745
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-6100?
CVE-2026-6100 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.1 (HIGH). Use-after-free (UAF) was possible in the `lzma.LZMADecompressor`, `bz2.BZ2Decompressor`, and `gzip.GzipFile` when a memory allocation fails with a `MemoryError` and the decompression instance is re-us...
How severe is CVE-2026-6100?
CVE-2026-6100 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.1/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-6100?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.