CVE-2017-20229 MAWK 1.3.3-17 Stack-Based Buffer Overflow
Attackers can execute arbitrary code via stack-based buffer overflow in MAWK by crafting malicious input, requiring patching of the text processing utility.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2017-20229?
CVE-2017-20229 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability in MAWK, published on 28 Mar 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
MAWK 1.3.3-17 and prior contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting inadequate boundary checks on user-supplied input. Attackers can craft malicious input that overflows the stack buffer and execute a return-oriented programming chain to spawn a shell with application privileges.
Weakness: CWE-787
Which versions are affected by CVE-2017-20229?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Invisible-Island Mawk.
How do I fix CVE-2017-20229?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2017-20229 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2017-20229 exists.
Sources
Also known as ECHO-138c-59c7-4e66, GHSA-gr5j-p8gh-7jpr, UBUNTU-CVE-2017-20229.