CVE-2023-42366 Memory corruption in n/a

Medium 5.5 Published 27 Nov 2023 Updated 8 Oct 2026

A heap-buffer-overflow in BusyBox awk allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service.

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-2023-42366?

CVE-2023-42366 is a medium-severity memory corruption vulnerability in n/a, published on 27 Nov 2023. 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

A heap-buffer-overflow was discovered in BusyBox v.1.36.1 in the next_token function at awk.c:1159.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-42366?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Busybox Busybox.

How do I fix CVE-2023-42366?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2023-42366 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-42366 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2023-42366, AZL-33492, AZL-34577, BELL-CVE-2023-42366, CLEANSTART-2026-ND75136, DEBIAN-CVE-2023-42366 and 5 more.