CVE-2022-38223 Memory corruption in n/a

High 7.8 Published 15 Aug 2022 Updated 4 Nov 2025

An out-of-bounds write in w3m allows attackers to cause denial of service or potentially execute code via crafted HTML files.

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: Available

What is CVE-2022-38223?

CVE-2022-38223 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Fedoraproject Fedora, published on 15 Aug 2022. 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

There is an out-of-bounds write in checkType located in etc.c in w3m 0.5.3. It can be triggered by sending a crafted HTML file to the w3m binary. It allows an attacker to cause Denial of Service or possibly have unspecified other impact.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-38223?

It affects 2 products.

Linux distribution packages (6)

`w3m` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Basesystem 15 SP4	All versions	`0.5.3+git20180125-150000.3.3.1`
`w3m` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Real Time 15 SP3	All versions	`0.5.3+git20180125-150000.3.3.1`
`w3m` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5	All versions	`0.5.3.git20161120-161.6.1`
`w3m` SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 12 SP5	All versions	`0.5.3.git20161120-161.6.1`
`w3m` openSUSE:Leap 15.4	All versions	`0.5.3+git20180125-150000.3.3.1`
`w3m` openSUSE:Tumbleweed	All versions	`0.5.3+git20180125-2.1`

Products include Fedoraproject Fedora, Tats W3m.

How do I fix CVE-2022-38223?

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-2022-38223 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2022-38223 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Fedoraproject Fedora vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2022-38223, DEBIAN-CVE-2022-38223, DLA-3541-1, GHSA-rf3p-g68h-h93f, MGASA-2023-0006, SUSE-SU-2023:0065-1 and 5 more.