Format String Vulnerability in GNU Nano Multi-Buffer Handling
CVE-2026-6390

6.8MEDIUM

Key Information:

Vendor

Red Hat
Status
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
Vendor
CVE Published:
23 July 2026

What is CVE-2026-6390?

A critical flaw exists in the way GNU Nano handles multi-buffer error messages. When users open multiple files at startup, if one file triggers an ALERT-level error, the filename can be crafted to include printf format specifiers. This mismanagement leads to a format string vulnerability that may enable attackers to disclose stack information, potentially induce a denial of service by causing crashes, or even perform arbitrary memory writes, creating a significant risk for users.

References

https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-6390
vdb-entryx_refsource_REDHAT
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2458767
issue-trackingx_refsource_REDHAT

CVSS V3.1

Score:
6.8
Severity:
MEDIUM
Confidentiality:
Low
Integrity:
High
Availability:
Low
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
Required
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.