CVE-2026-14164 remediation guide
Red Hat Red Hat Hardened Images, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
A double free issue has been identified in libarchive's RAR5 reader. During parsing of a specially crafted RAR5 archive, the filtered_buf pointer may remain stale after being freed during unpacking state reinitialization. Subsequent processing of another archive entry can trigger a second free of the same memory region, resulting in a double-free condition. Successful exploitation may cause applications using the vulnerable libarchive API to terminate unexpectedly, leading to a denial of service.
A verified fixed-version field is not available. Use the linked NVD and supporting references, then confirm the vendor-supported path before changing production systems.
Identify the affected asset
Confirm whether Red Hat Red Hat Hardened Images, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 is installed, record the deployed version and installation path, and identify exposed interfaces.
- Record the product name, package or appliance identifier, and installed version.
- Identify internet-facing, administrative, API, and internal access paths.
- Preserve the pre-change configuration and relevant service logs.
Validate the affected-version match
Compare the deployed version with the affected range: See the vendor advisory and NVD configuration data. Treat incomplete inventory results as unresolved.
Prioritize with independent signals
The CVSS severity warrants an early asset and exposure review. Combine this signal with asset criticality, exposure, compensating controls, and business impact.
Apply supported remediation
Follow the vendor advisory or supported update path. Current fixed-version status: No verified fixed-version field is available yet. Preserve configuration and rollback material before change.
Verify the result
Confirm the resulting version, service health, authentication and access paths, monitoring coverage, and relevant security logs.
- Confirm the expected version and package state.
- Run a functional health check for critical service paths.
- Review authentication, error, application, and security monitoring logs.
- Reassess exposure if the supported fix cannot be applied.
Operational boundary
This page does not replace the vendor advisory, support contract, change-management process, or recovery plan. Do not infer that an asset is unaffected from an incomplete inventory query or a missing fixed-version field.