Description
The regex code in Webkit 2.4.11 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) as demonstrated in a large number of ($ (open parenthesis and dollar) followed by {-2,16} and a large number of +) (plus close parenthesis).
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | qtwebkit-opensource-src | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | qtwebkit-opensource-src | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | qtwebkit-opensource-src | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | webkitgtk +2 | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | webkit2gtk | 2.16.1-0ubuntu0.16.04.1 | USN-3257-1 |
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | webkitgtk +2 | No fix yet | — |
Advisories 1
- USN-3257-1 webkit2gtk vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 22, 2026
References
- 1038137 vdb-entry
- [oss-security] 20161126 Re: CVE Request: resource exhaustion in regex expression handling in WebKit mailing-list
- GLSA-201706-15 vendor-advisory
- [oss-security] 20161126 CVE Request: resource exhaustion in regex expression handling in WebKit mailing-list
- 94559 vdb-entry