CVE-2026-69985: libarchive heap-based buffer overflow in Windows

CVE-2026-69985 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-10-13

libarchive is a widely-used library for reading and writing compressed archive formats. A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on Windows systems by sending a malformed archive file over the network, potentially compromising systems that process untrusted archives.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-69985 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-69985 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-69985?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 13 October 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Libarchive <UNKNOWN>.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-69985?
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.
How is CVE-2026-69985 attacked?
It is attacked over the network, in a software library.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-69985?
Check whether you run Libarchive at an affected version. 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.

Technical details

A heap-based buffer overflow exists in libarchive on Windows platforms when processing certain malformed archive files. The vulnerability can be triggered by sending a crafted archive over the network to applications that use the vulnerable libarchive code, allowing remote code execution without prior authentication.

Affected products

  • libarchive <UNKNOWN>

Timeline

  • 2026-10-13: disclosed

References

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