ReviewHigh

CVE-2026-19401

NLnet Labs NSD

Any remote client can crash a (debugging/non-release build type) NSD serve child by sending it a special crafted message with a specially tuned number of DNS Cookie options (17 when UDP payload size is 512). By continuously crashing the serve childs, the remote client can severely hamper or, when positioned sufficiently close, deny all DNS service.

CVSS
8.2
EPSS
0.33%
25.9% percentile
CISA KEV
Not listed
Published
2026.08.26
PRIORITY ASSESSMENT

Review

The CVSS severity warrants an early asset and exposure review.

Known exploitationNot established by KEV
Exploit probability0.33%
Technical severityCVSS 8.2

Vulnerability overview

Any remote client can crash a (debugging/non-release build type) NSD serve child by sending it a special crafted message with a specially tuned number of DNS Cookie options (17 when UDP payload size is 512). By continuously crashing the serve childs, the remote client can severely hamper or, when positioned sufficiently close, deny all DNS service.

Affected product and versions

Product
NLnet Labs NSD
Affected versions
>= 4.3.7 < 4.15.1
Fixed versions
No verified fixed-version field is available yet

Recommended response sequence

Confirm exposure before applying a vendor-supported change.

Full remediation guide
  1. 1
    Identify

    Confirm that NLnet Labs NSD and an affected version are present.

  2. 2
    Prioritize

    Combine exploitation signals with asset exposure and business criticality.

  3. 3
    Remediate

    Follow the vendor advisory or supported update path and preserve rollback options.

  4. 4
    Verify

    Recheck the version, service health, access paths, and relevant logs.

Technical data

CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
CWE
CWE-400, CWE-617