MEDIUM
CVE-2015-2326
CWE-125Published: January 14, 2020· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The pcre_compile2 function in PCRE before 8.37 allows context-dependent attackers to compile incorrect code and cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via regular expression with a group containing both a forward referencing subroutine call and a recursive back reference, as demonstrated by "((?+1)(\1))/".
Technical Analysis
CVE-2015-2326 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 5.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (8)
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2015-05/msg00014.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://bugs.exim.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1592Exploit · Issue Tracking · Permissions Required · Third Party Advisory
→
https://fortiguard.com/zeroday/FG-VD-15-016Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.pcre.org/original/changelog.txtRelease Notes · Third Party Advisory
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2015-05/msg00014.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://bugs.exim.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1592Exploit · Issue Tracking · Permissions Required · Third Party Advisory
→
https://fortiguard.com/zeroday/FG-VD-15-016Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.pcre.org/original/changelog.txtRelease Notes · Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2015-2326
CVSS Score5.5 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-125
CISA KEVNo
Affected4 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 14, 2020
Related CVEs (CWE-125)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2015-2326 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.