#VU81865 Heap-based buffer overflow in cURL


| Updated: 2024-07-19

Vulnerability identifier: #VU81865

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 7.9 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-38545

CWE-ID: CWE-122

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
cURL
Client/Desktop applications / Other client software

Vendor: curl.haxx.se

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error in the SOCKS5 proxy handshake. A remote attacker can trick the victim to visit a malicious website, trigger a 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 but requires that SOCKS5 proxy is used and that SOCKS5 handshake is slow (e.g. under heavy load or DoS attack).

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

cURL: 7.69.0 - 8.3.0


External links
http://curl.haxx.se/docs/CVE-2023-38545.html


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. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.


Latest bulletins with this vulnerability