Description
A weakness has been identified in universal-ctags ctags up to 6.2.1. The affected element is the function parseExpression/parseExprList of the file parsers/v.c of the component V Language Parser. Executing a manipulation can lead to uncontrolled recursion. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. The exploit has been made available to the public and could be used for attacks. The project was informed of the problem early through an issue report but has not responded yet.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| universal-ctags | ctags | 6.2.0, 6.2.1 | — |
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 | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
| Debian 13 | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
| Debian 12 | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 26.10 | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 26.04 LTS | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 25.10 | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | universal-ctags | No fix yet | — |
Azure Linux
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure Linux 3 | ctags | No fix yet | — |
References
- VDB-346397 | universal-ctags V Language v.c parseExprList recursion vdb-entry technical-description
- VDB-346397 | CTI Indicators (IOB, IOC, IOA) signature permissions-required
- Submit #752768 | universal-ctags ctags master-branch Uncontrolled Recursion third-party-advisory
- https://github.com/universal-ctags/ctags/issues/4369 issue-tracking
- https://github.com/oneafter/0116/blob/main/poc.v exploit
- https://github.com/universal-ctags/ctags/ product