A possible use-after-free and double-free in c-ares lib version 1.16.0 if ares_destroy() is called prior to ares_getaddrinfo() completing. This flaw possibly allows an attacker to crash the service that uses c-ares lib. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to this service availability.
An official patch is available. Apply the patch as soon as possible.
CVSS v4.0 Metrics
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
ComplexityLow
RequirementsPresent
PrivilegesLow
User InteractionNone
Threat
Exploit MaturityUnreported
Vulnerable System
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityLow
Subsequent System
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
Supplemental
SafetyNegligible
AutomatableYes
RecoveryAutomatic
Value DensityConcentrated
UrgencyMedium
Patch StatusOfficial Patch
Change Log
| Date | Source | Changes | Score |
|---|
| 2026-07-21 | nvd | AV: P→L, AC: H→L, PR: H→L, UI: A→N, VA: N→L | 0.0 → 0.4 |
| 2026-07-21 | nvd | patch: Unavailable→Official Patch | 0.0 → 0.0 |
| 2026-07-21 | cve.org | initial, patch: Unavailable | 0.0 |
Affected Software
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|
| c-ares | c-ares | 1.16.0 |
| fedoraproject | fedora | 33 |
| n/a | c-ares | c-ares 1.16.1 |
Published: 2021-05-13
