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NULL Pointer Dereference in HAProxy hpack_dht_insert()

IdentifiersCVE-2026-55204CWE-476

CVE-2026-55204 is a denial-of-service vulnerability affecting HAProxy through version 3.4.0. The flaw is a NULL pointer dereference in hpack_dht_insert() in src/hpack-tbl.c. According to the provided content, the vulnerable code fails to validate the return value of hpack_dht_defrag() when the memory pool is exhausted. Under those conditions, attacker-triggered HPACK dynamic table insertions can lead to dereferencing a NULL pointer, causing HAProxy worker processes to crash.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

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Impact

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Successful exploitation allows a remote attacker to crash HAProxy worker processes, resulting in denial of service. The provided content does not indicate code execution, privilege escalation, or data exposure; the stated impact is service disruption through worker process termination.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

No complete workaround is provided in the supplied content. As a temporary risk-reduction measure, limit exposure to attacker-controlled HTTP/2 traffic that can drive HPACK dynamic table insertions, reduce conditions that could lead to memory pool exhaustion, and closely monitor for HAProxy worker crashes until a fixed release or patch is deployed.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade HAProxy to a fixed version newer than 3.4.0 that includes the fix referenced by commit 9a6d1fe. If upgrading is not immediately possible, apply the vendor patch or directly apply commit 9a6d1fe as referenced in the provided content, then restart HAProxy and monitor service stability.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

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VALID 0 / 0 TOTALView more in app

No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.

EXPOSURE SURFACE

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VendorProductType
HaproxyAlohaapplication

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