If left unpatched, CVE-2026-42209 could lead to major system disruptions or data loss.
Status: Received on 08 May 2026, 22:16 UTC
Published on: 08 May 2026, 22:16 UTC
CVSS Release: version 3
security-advisories@github.com
Secondary
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
CVE-2026-42209: FlashMQ is a MQTT broker/server, designed for multi-CPU environments. Prior to version 1.26.1, a remote client with retained publish permission can crash the FlashMQ broker when both set_retained_message_defer_timeout and set_retained_message_defer_timeout_spread are configured to non-default values, resulting in denial of service. If anonymous retained publishing is allowed, no authentication is required; otherwise, the attacker needs the corresponding publish permission. This issue has been patched in version 1.26.1.
The exploitability of CVE-2026-42209 depends on two key factors: attack complexity (the level of effort required to execute an exploit) and privileges required (the access level an attacker needs).
CVE-2026-42209 presents an accessible attack vector with minimal effort required. Restricting access controls and implementing security updates are critical to reducing exploitation risks.
A lower complexity and fewer privilege requirements make exploitation easier. Security teams should evaluate these aspects to determine the urgency of mitigation strategies, such as patch management and access control policies.
Attack Complexity (AC) measures the difficulty in executing an exploit. A high AC means that specific conditions must be met, making an attack more challenging, while a low AC means the vulnerability can be exploited with minimal effort.
Privileges Required (PR) determine the level of system access necessary for an attack. Vulnerabilities requiring no privileges are more accessible to attackers, whereas high privilege requirements limit exploitation to authorized users with elevated access.
Above is the CVSS Sub-score Breakdown for CVE-2026-42209, illustrating how Base, Impact, and Exploitability factors combine to form the overall severity rating. A higher sub-score typically indicates a more severe or easier-to-exploit vulnerability.
Below is the Impact Analysis for CVE-2026-42209, showing how Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability might be affected if the vulnerability is exploited. Higher values usually signal greater potential damage.
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