CVE-2023-38851 Memory corruption in n/a

Medium 6.5 Published 15 Aug 2023 Updated 8 Oct 2024

A buffer overflow in libxlsv allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via a crafted XLS file.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2023-38851?

CVE-2023-38851 is a medium-severity memory corruption vulnerability in n/a, published on 15 Aug 2023. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

Buffer Overflow vulnerability in libxlsv.1.6.2 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code and cause a denial of service via a crafted XLS file to the xls_parseWorkBook function in xls.c:1018.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-38851?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Libxls Project Libxls.

How do I fix CVE-2023-38851?

No fix has been published for CVE-2023-38851 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-2023-38851 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2023-38851 exists.

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2023-38851, GHSA-77g9-xr3f-gjr9, JLSEC-2026-1295, UBUNTU-CVE-2023-38851.