CVE-2023-51885 Memory corruption in n/a

Critical 9.8 Published 24 Jan 2024 Updated 30 May 2025

A remote attacker can execute arbitrary code via a buffer overflow in the Mathtex library by manipulating the length of a LaTeX string.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2023-51885?

CVE-2023-51885 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability in n/a, published on 24 Jan 2024. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Buffer Overflow vulnerability in Mathtex v.1.05 and before allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the length of the LaTeX string component.

Weakness: CWE-120

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-51885?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Ctan Mathtex.

How do I fix CVE-2023-51885?

No fix has been published for CVE-2023-51885 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-2023-51885 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2023-51885 exists.

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2023-51885, GHSA-8h9j-pxfp-9p97, UBUNTU-CVE-2023-51885.