Quick answer
Direct answer
Risk scores
| CVSS metric | What it means |
|---|---|
| Attack vector (AV:N) | Network: reachable remotely |
| Attack complexity (AC:H) | High complexity |
| Privileges required (PR:L) | Low privileges required |
| User interaction (UI:N) | No user interaction |
| Scope (S:C) | Scope changed: impact spreads beyond the component |
| Confidentiality (C:H) | High confidentiality impact |
| Integrity (I:H) | High integrity impact |
| Availability (A:H) | High availability impact |
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
About X Libxfont
CVE-2026-56003 affects X Libxfont, a product from X. Before acting, confirm where X Libxfont runs in your estate, who owns it and whether it is reachable from the internet, because exposure decides real risk more than the score alone.
What the flaw is
In plain terms: A heap buffer overflow due to missing size checking in the property buffer when parsing PCF files in libXfont2 ComputeScaledProperties() before libXfont2 before 2.0.8 could be used by attackers using authenticated X clients to execute code within the X server.
The weakness class is Heap Buffer Overflow. A write past the end of a heap buffer corrupts nearby memory.
Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs some level of access, and needs no user interaction. Apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Affected versions and timeline
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | X Libxfont |
| Affected versions | Libxfont from 2.0.0 before 2.0.8 |
| Published | Jul 8, 2026 |
| Last modified | Jul 9, 2026 |
| Added to CISA KEV | Not listed |
| Assigning CNA | meissner@suse.de |
How to detect it
- Inventory every instance of X Libxfont and record the running version against the affected range above.
- Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
- Review logs on affected systems for unusual requests, errors or new processes around the vulnerable function.
- Confirm with an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner has a check for this CVE.
How to fix it
- Apply the fixed version of X Libxfont named in the vendor advisory.
- If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and put it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.
- Rescan after the change to prove the exposure is gone, then close the ticket.
CTEM action plan
| CTEM stage | What to do for this CVE |
|---|---|
| Scope | Add every business service that depends on X Libxfont to the current CTEM cycle. |
| Discover | Find all instances, including shadow and cloud deployments, and record versions and exposure. |
| Prioritize | Rank using EPSS and CVSS together with asset exposure and business impact. |
| Validate | Confirm the flaw is reachable and exploitable in your environment and that compensating controls work. |
| Mobilize | Assign the fix to the asset owner with a due date matched to the priority, then verify closure. |
CWE References
- CWE-122: Heap Buffer Overflow More CVEs with this weakness
Technical References
Frequently asked questions
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