CVE-2026-85501

HIGH CVSS 3.1: 7.5 EPSS 0.48%
Updated Sep 23, 2026
Nlnet Labs
Parameter Value
CVSS 7.5 (HIGH)
Affected Versions before 1.26.1
Fixed In 1.26.1
Type CWE-770 (Allocation Without Limits)
Vendor Nlnet Labs
Public PoC No

Novel vulnerabilities to launch algorithmic complexity attacks on DNSSEC have been researched under the term 'ReTrap'. These result in degradation of service when malicious zones are used to serve the algorithmic complexity vulnerabilities. NLnet Labs Unbound up to and including 1.26.0 is vulnerable to some of them. TagTrap, where the triple(Zone, Algo, KeyTag) matching mechanism introduces a significant attack vector when resolvers handle malicious responses containing numerous mismatched DNSKEY, RRSIG, and DS record. DelegationTrap, where constructing the chain-of-trust requires iterative validation of DNSKEY and DS records from the root zone downward.

For deeply nested domains, this results in significant computational overhead. NsecTrap, where responses with excessive invalid NSEC records compel the resolver to validate each one. AdditionalTrap, where Unbound by default would try to DNSSEC validate the ADDITIONAL section as well. This can be exploited to waste validation resources by malicious users.

Attack Parameters

Attack Vector
Network
Can be exploited remotely
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Privileges Required
None
No privileges needed
User Interaction
None
No user interaction needed

Impact Assessment

Confidentiality
None
No data leak
Integrity
None
No data modification
Availability
High
Complete denial of service

CVSS Vector v3.1

Vulnerable Products 1

Configuration From (including) Up to (excluding)
Nlnetlabs Unbound
cpe:2.3:a:nlnetlabs:unbound:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
— 1.26.1