zeroconf has unbounded recursion in DNS compression-pointer decoder that allows LAN-local denial of service
Published Jul 17, 2026 · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Original summary
Normalized public record · Updated Nov 3, 2026
zeroconf has unbounded recursion in DNS compression-pointer decoder that allows LAN-local denial of service
Publisher and source text is retained separately from QFinch interpretation.
QFinch assessment
`DNSIncoming._decode_labels_at_offset` recurses once per DNS-name compression pointer (RFC 1035 §4.1.4). Pointer cycles and label counts were capped, but the chain length of unique forward pointers was not. A single ~3 kB mDNS packet carrying ~1500 chained pointers drives the recursion past CPython's default limit, and `RecursionError` was not listed in `DECODE_EXCEPTIONS`, so it escaped `DNSIncoming.__init__` and was logged by asyncio's default exception handler.
Potential impact
DNSIncoming.decodelabelsatoffset recurses once per DNS-name compression pointer (RFC 1035 §4.1.4). Pointer cycles and label counts were capped, but the chain length of unique forward pointers was not. A single ~3 kB mDNS packet carrying ~1500 chained pointers drives the recursion past CPython's default limit, and RecursionError was not listed in DECODEEXCEPTIONS, so it escaped DNSIncoming.init and was logged by asyncio's default exception handler. Any unauthenticated host on the local link (UDP/5353, 224.0.0.251 / ff02::fb) can degrade the mDNS listener; that includes a guest on the same Wi-Fi, a compromised IoT device, or a container on a shared bridge. Replaying at a few hertz produces sustained CPU burn and log flooding, and mDNS-dependent features (HomeKit, Chromecast/Matter, AirPlay, printers) degrade while the attack is in flight.
Evidence: public source recordsAffected products
| Affected package, product or range | Fix status |
|---|---|
| Consult the referenced vendor advisory for affected versions. | Consult source advisory |
Matching a version is only one part of assessing exposure. QFinch has not assessed your environment on this public page.
Remediation
Apply the vendor-supported fixed release or mitigation, then verify the affected component is no longer reachable.
- Confirm the affected product and reachable code path exist in your environment.
- Apply the vendor-supported patch or mitigation from the primary advisory.
- Rescan the exact deployed revision and retain verification evidence.
Evidence coverage
- SSVC priority
- LOW
- Confidence
- Not available
- Aliases
- None reported
Scores appear only when corresponding evidence exists. Missing data is never interpreted as zero risk.
Sources and record history
Record history
Published Jul 17, 2026 · Last refreshed Nov 3, 2026