Description
The header::add_INFO_descriptor function in header.cpp in VCFtools 0.1.15 allows remote attackers to cause information disclosure (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted vcf file.
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.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | vcftools | 0.1.16-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | vcftools | 0.1.16-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | vcftools | 0.1.16-1 | — |
| Debian 8 | vcftools | 0.1.12+dfsg-1+deb8u1 | DLA-1807-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | vcftools | 0.1.14+dfsg-2ubuntu0.1 | USN-3974-1 |
Show 2 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Pro 18.04 LTS | vcftools | 0.1.15-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 | USN-4835-1 |
| Ubuntu Pro 14.04 LTS | vcftools | 0.1.11+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 | USN-4835-1 |
Advisories 3
- USN-4835-1 vcftools vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Jun 29, 2026
- DLA-1807-1 vcftools - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- USN-3974-1 VCFtools vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Feb 10, 2026
References
- 20180516 vcftools 0.1.15 vuln bugs mailing-list
- USN-3974-1 vendor-advisory
- [debian-lts-announce] 20190527 [SECURITY] [DLA 1807-1] vcftools security update mailing-list