CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-29458NVD status: Modified

Ncurses: Out-of-bounds Read

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-29458 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Ncurses from Invisible-island, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 6.3 as the first without the flaw, so updating Ncurses to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.33% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 72% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Ncurses to 6.3 or a later version.
  2. Update macOS to 13.0 or a later version.
  3. Read the advisory on lists.gnu.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  4. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Invisible-islandNcursesbefore 6.3; 6.36.3
ApplemacOSbefore 13.013.0
DebianDebian Linux10.0Not stated

Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
NoneNothing can be modified.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.1HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.1HighCISA (ADP)
CVSS 2.05.8MediumNVD

Official description

ncurses 6.3 before patch 20220416 has an out-of-bounds read and segmentation violation in convert_strings in tinfo/read_entry.c in the terminfo library.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read

The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.

More Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities (CWE-125)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in Ncurses

All Ncurses vulnerabilities

Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities

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