CVE-2026-33165
libde265 is an open source implementation of the h.
Executive Summary
CVE-2026-33165 is a medium severity vulnerability affecting binary-analysis, appsec. It is classified as Out-of-bounds Write. Ensure your systems and dependencies are patched immediately to mitigate exposure risks.
Precogs AI Insight
"The fundamental weakness here is traced back to within Libde265, allowing the insecure processing of malicious payloads. When targeted, an adversary might use this to compromise the entire application stack, rendering traditional defenses ineffective. The Precogs binary analysis module maps structural execution flows to safeguard the application against payload injection."
What is this vulnerability?
CVE-2026-33165 is categorized as a critical Code Injection / RCE flaw. Based on our vulnerability intelligence, this issue occurs when the application fails to securely handle untrusted data boundaries.
libde265 is an open source implementation of the h.265 video codec. Prior to version 1.0.17, a crafted HEVC bitstream causes an out-of-bounds heap write co...
This architectural defect enables adversaries to bypass intended security controls, directly manipulating the application's execution state or data layer. Immediate strategic intervention is required.
Risk Assessment
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| CVSS Base Score | 5.5 (MEDIUM) |
| Vector String | CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H |
| Published | March 20, 2026 |
| Last Modified | March 20, 2026 |
| Related CWEs | CWE-787 |
Impact on Systems
✅ Remote Code Execution: Attackers achieve arbitrary command execution within the context of the application server.
✅ Privilege Escalation: Initial code execution can be exploited to pivot and elevate privileges across the network.
✅ Persistent Backdoors: Attackers can bind reverse shells, modify source files, or inject persistent access mechanisms.
How to fix this issue?
Implement the following strategic mitigations immediately to eliminate the attack surface.
1. Remove Dynamic Evaluation Completely eliminate the use of dynamic evaluation functions (eval(), exec(), system()) on untrusted input.
2. Sandboxing If dynamic execution is an absolute business requirement, isolate the execution environment in tightly constrained, non-networked sandboxes (e.g., restricted WebAssembly or isolated containers).
3. Network Segmentation Restrict outbound traffic from the application server (egress filtering) to prevent reverse shell connections.
Vulnerability Signature
// Vulnerable Node.js Execution
const exec = require('child_process').exec;
const user_domain = req.query.domain;
// VULNERABLE: Injecting user input directly into system shell commands
exec('ping -c 4 ' + user_domain, (error, stdout, stderr) =\> \{
res.send(stdout);
\});
// EXPLOIT PAYLOAD: precogs.ai ; cat /etc/passwd
References and Sources
- NVD — CVE-2026-33165
- MITRE — CVE-2026-33165
- CWE-787 — MITRE CWE
- CWE-787 Details
- Binary Analysis Vulnerabilities
- Application Security Vulnerabilities
Vulnerability Code Signature
Attack Data Flow
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source | Network packet or file input |
| Vector | Data exceeds the allocated buffer bounds during a copy operation |
| Sink | strcpy(), memcpy(), or pointer arithmetic |
| Impact | Memory corruption, Remote Code Execution (RCE) |
Vulnerable Code Pattern
// ❌ VULNERABLE: Out-of-bounds write
void process_data(char *input) {
char buffer[64];
// Taint sink: copies without bounds checking
strcpy(buffer, input);
}
Secure Code Pattern
// ✅ SECURE: Bounded copy
void process_data(char *input) {
char buffer[64];
// Sanitized boundary check
strncpy(buffer, input, sizeof(buffer) - 1);
buffer[sizeof(buffer) - 1] = '\0';
}
How Precogs Detects This
Precogs Binary SAST engine explicitly uncovers memory boundary violations and unsafe memory management functions in compiled binaries.\n