libsoup Chunked Encoding Parser Permissive RFT Exploit
CVE-2026-66338 Published on July 24, 2026
Libsoup: libsoup: http request smuggling via permissive chunk-size parsing in soup_body_input_stream_read_chunked()
A flaw was found in libsoup. The chunked transfer encoding parser uses a permissive parsing function for chunk sizes that silently accepts inputs violating RFC 9112, including leading whitespace, plus sign prefixes, and trailing invalid characters. When libsoup operates behind a strict frontend proxy, this parsing differential can be exploited to smuggle HTTP requests.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-66338 is exploitable with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is consided to have a high level of attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a small impact on confidentiality and integrity, and no impact on availability.
Timeline
Reported to Red Hat.
Made public.
Weakness Type
What is a HTTP Request Smuggling Vulnerability?
When malformed or abnormal HTTP requests are interpreted by one or more entities in the data flow between the user and the web server, such as a proxy or firewall, they can be interpreted inconsistently, allowing the attacker to "smuggle" a request to one device without the other device being aware of it.
CVE-2026-66338 has been classified to as a HTTP Request Smuggling vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-66338
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