# CVE-2026-42482: A stack-based buffer overflow in mangle_to_hex_lower() and mangle_to_hex_upper() in src/rp_cpu.c in hashcat v7.1.2…

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-42482-a-stack-based-buffer-overflow-in-mangle-to-hex-lower-and-mangle  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-05-01  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-42482 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-05-01

A stack-based buffer overflow in mangle_to_hex_lower() and mangle_to_hex_upper() in src/rp_cpu.c in hashcat v7.1.2 allows an attacker to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted rule file, or via the -j or -k rule options used with password candidates of 128 or more characters. The vulnerability is caused by a bounds check that fails to account for the 2x expansion that occurs when password bytes are converted to hexadecimal.

Technologies: [Hashcat](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/hashcat). Vendors: [Hashcat](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/hashcat).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-42482 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-42482 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-42482?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 1 May 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Hashcat. The advisory does not name versions.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-42482?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-42482?** Check whether you run Hashcat. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Hashcat

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