CVE-2026-41146: facil.io is a C micro-framework for web applications. Prior to commit 5128747363055201d3ecf0e29bf0a961703c9fa0, `fio_json_parse` can enter an infinite...

Description

facil.io is a C micro-framework for web applications. Prior to commit 5128747363055201d3ecf0e29bf0a961703c9fa0, `fio_json_parse` can enter an infinite loop when it encounters a nested JSON value starting with `i` or `I`. The process spins in user space and pegs one CPU core at ~100% instead of returning a parse error. Because `iodine` vendors the same parser code, the issue also affects `iodine` when it parses attacker-controlled JSON. The smallest reproducer I found is `[i`. The quoted-value form that originally exposed the issue, `[""i`, reaches the same bug because the parser tolerates missing commas and then treats the trailing `i` as the start of another value. Commit 5128747363055201d3ecf0e29bf0a961703c9fa0 fixes the issue.

Metrics

CVSS 4.0

8.7/10

CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/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

EPSS Probability

0.29%

21.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

References

Timeline

Published: Apr 22, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-41146?

facil.io is a C micro-framework for web applications. Prior to commit 5128747363055201d3ecf0e29bf0a961703c9fa0, `fio_json_parse` can enter an infinite loop when it encounters a nested JSON value starting with `i` or `I`. The process spins in user space and pegs one CPU core at ~100% instead of returning a parse error. Because `iodine` vendors the same parser code, the issue also affects `iodine` when it parses attacker-controlled JSON. The smallest reproducer I found is `[i`. The quoted-value form that originally exposed the issue, `[""i`, reaches the same bug because the parser tolerates missing commas and then treats the trailing `i` as the start of another value. Commit 5128747363055201d3ecf0e29bf0a961703c9fa0 fixes the issue.

How severe is CVE-2026-41146?

CVE-2026-41146 has a CVSS score of 8.7/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.29% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-41146?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.