CVE-2026-120645
CGI versions before 5.00 for Perl allow denial of service via submitted values used as a regex for optgroup selection in scrolling_list. When rendering option groups, scrolling_list marks the selected options by interpolating each selected value, by default taken from the request parameters, unescaped into a substitution pattern. A client can make the request die with an invalid pattern, or tie up the process with one that backtracks heavily.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: CGI versions before 5.00 for Perl allow denial of service via submitted values used as a regex for optgroup selection in scrolling_list. When rendering option groups, scrolling_list marks the selected options by interpolating each selected value, by default taken from the request parameters, unescaped into a substitution pattern. A client can make the request die with an invalid pattern, or tie up the process with one that backtracks heavily. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Limited Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:
No CVSS vector is currently available in the source record.
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-625CWE-1333Affected products and versions
NVD has not supplied machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this CVE. This is an information gap, not proof that no products are affected. Check the vendor advisory references below.
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://github.com/leejo/CGI.pm/commit/824956fbb0c4eb77044ba2dc9180a30df12cb309.patch PATCH 9b29abf9-4ab0-4765-b253-1875cd9b441e
- https://metacpan.org/release/LEEJO/CGI-4.72/source/lib/CGI.pm REFERENCE 9b29abf9-4ab0-4765-b253-1875cd9b441e
- https://metacpan.org/release/LEEJO/CGI-5.00/changes REFERENCE 9b29abf9-4ab0-4765-b253-1875cd9b441e
Information gaps & confidence notes
These gaps indicate missing source data. CVE Watch does not fill them with guessed product, exploit or patch details.
- NVD does not currently provide machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this record.
- No CVSS vector is currently available in the source record.
Last enrichment: 2026-11-05T04:31:52+00:00 · Source last modified: 2026-11-04T18:42:35.810