CVE-2020-37040 Code Blocks 17.12 - 'File Name' Local Buffer Overflow
Attackers can execute arbitrary code by crafting a malicious file name with Unicode characters during project creation in Code::Blocks.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2020-37040?
CVE-2020-37040 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Code::Blocks, published on 30 Jan 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
Code Blocks 17.12 contains a local buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by crafting a malicious file name with Unicode characters. Attackers can trigger the vulnerability by pasting a specially crafted payload into the file name field during project creation, potentially executing system commands like calc.exe.
Weakness: CWE-120
Which versions are affected by CVE-2020-37040?
How do I fix CVE-2020-37040?
No fix has been published for CVE-2020-37040 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2020-37040 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2020-37040 exists.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-6rp6-p89c-5fpr, UBUNTU-CVE-2020-37040.