CVE-2026-47180
zeroconf has unbounded recursion in DNS compression-pointer decoder that allows LAN-local denial of service
Description
### Impact `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. 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. ### Patches Fixed in `zeroconf` 0.149.5 ([PR #1719](https://github.com/python-zeroconf/python-zeroconf/pull/1719)). Upgrade to `>= 0.149.5`. ### Workarounds There is no in-process workaround; upgrading is the fix. Otherwise, restrict mDNS (UDP/5353) to trusted Layer-2 segments via AP client isolation, guest-network separation, or host firewall rules. ### Resources - [PR #1719](https://github.com/python-zeroconf/python-zeroconf/pull/1719), fix - [Issue #1713](https://github.com/python-zeroconf/python-zeroconf/issues/1713), public tracking issue - [RFC 1035 §4.1.4](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1035#section-4.1.4), [RFC 6762](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc6762), [CWE-674](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/674.html)
How to fix CVE-2026-47180
To remediate CVE-2026-47180, upgrade the affected package to a fixed version below.
- —upgrade to 0.149.5 or later
Is CVE-2026-47180 being exploited?
No exploitation signal available. Neither CISA KEV nor a current EPSS score has been published for CVE-2026-47180.