Remote code execution in GNU indent

1) Heap-based buffer overflow

EUVDB-ID: #VU79962

Risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 6.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-40305

CWE-ID: CWE-122 - Heap-based Buffer Overflow

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the search_brace() function in indent.c. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted file, trick the victim into opening it, trigger heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation

Cybersecurity Help is currently unaware of any official solution to address this vulnerability.

Vulnerable software versions

Indent: 2.1.0 - 2.2.13

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:gnu:indent:2.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:gnu:indent:2.1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:gnu:indent:2.2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://savannah.gnu.org/bugs/index.php?64503

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.