CVE-2026-49839
HIGHjq is a command-line JSON processor. Prior to 1.8.2,` jq --rawfile` can turn a handled oversized-string error into invalid-state reuse and a real heap out-of-bounds write in assertion-disabled…
Description
jq is a command-line JSON processor. Prior to 1.8.2, jq --rawfile can turn a handled oversized-string error into invalid-state reuse and a real heap out-of-bounds write in assertion-disabled builds. When jv_load_file(raw=1) reads an attacker-controlled file, it repeatedly appends file chunks to the same jv string accumulator. Once jv_string_append_buf() returns jv_invalid_with_msg("String too long"), the raw-file loop does not stop. If the file contains at least one more byte, the next loop iteration appends a new chunk to an object that is already invalid. With assertions enabled this aborts in jvp_string_ptr(). With assertions disabled, the invalid object is interpreted as a string object and ASan reports heap-buffer-overflow. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.8.2.
Affected Products
jqjqlangDetection & mitigation playbook
Vendor / applianceDetect
Inventory every jqlang jq deployment and check each version against the affected-products list above. Because the exploit targets the running system rather than your application code, also watch for remote code execution at the network and runtime layer — O3 flags the exploit behaviour from runtime telemetry and egress traffic even before a vulnerable build is confirmed.
Fix
Apply the jqlang jq security patch or hotfix for CVE-2026-49839 on the affected version, following the vendor advisory for your exact build.
Workarounds
Cut exposure now: restrict the management/admin interface to trusted networks, segment the device, and apply the vendor's recommended configuration mitigations and any WAF/IPS signature. O3's runtime protection blocks the exploit chain at execution, holding the line on unpatched or end-of-life systems until you can patch.
How O3 protects you
O3 detects and blocks CVE-2026-49839 exploitation at runtime: eBPF exploit-chain detection, plus L7 egress monitoring that catches the post-exploitation callback and severs the attacker's outbound channel.
Tailored to CVE-2026-49839. Runtime protection reduces exposure until a permanent patch is applied and verified — it complements patching, it doesn't replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2026-49839 being exploited in your environment?
O3's eBPF runtime sensors and L7 egress monitoring detect and block the CVE-2026-49839 exploit chain at execution — protecting unpatched and end-of-life systems until the vendor patch is applied.