CVE-2023-53159 `openssl` `X509VerifyParamRef::set_host` buffer over-read
An out-of-bounds read in the Rust openssl crate allows attackers to cause denial of service or disclose memory contents via crafted input.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2023-53159?
CVE-2023-53159 is a medium-severity memory corruption vulnerability in sfackler openssl, published on 28 Jul 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
The openssl crate before 0.10.55 for Rust allows an out-of-bounds read via an empty string to X509VerifyParamRef::set_host.
Weakness: CWE-126
Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-53159?
3 open source packages ship an affected version, including openssl. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
openssl crates.io | From 0.0.0-0 | 0.10.55 |
openssl crates.io | From 0.10.0 | 0.10.55 |
openssl crates.io | From 0.10.0 | 0.10.55 |
Products include Sfackler Openssl.
How do I fix CVE-2023-53159?
Upgrade openssl to 0.10.55 or later.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2023-53159 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-53159 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in sfackler openssl
Sources
Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2023-53159, GHSA-xcf7-rvmh-g6q4, RUSTSEC-2023-0044, UBUNTU-CVE-2023-53159.