CVE-2022-4170CWE-74

The rxvt-unicode package is vulnerable to a remote code execution, in the Perl background extension, when an attacker can control the data written to the…

Critical · published December 9, 2022

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
2%
Percentile
82.6
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A remote attacker can take control of your terminal with just the right data! This critical vulnerability in the rxvt-unicode package is like a mischievous chef swapping ingredients in your secret recipe. 🔥 Imagine you're at a restaurant where the chef can get into the kitchen and change your meal order without you knowing. In this case, the attacker manipulates data sent to your terminal, allowing them to execute arbitrary code as if they were you! The consequences could be absolutely devastating! An attacker could execute any command on your system, potentially gaining full control over your environment, stealing sensitive data, or causing chaos in your applications. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this isn't just a minor issue—it's a major threat that could lead to catastrophic data breaches!

Put simply

Imagine you're at a restaurant where the chef can get into the kitchen and change your meal order without you knowing. In this case, the attacker manipulates data sent to your terminal, allowing them to execute arbitrary code as if they were you! This vulnerability arises in the rxvt-unicode package's Perl background extension, where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code if they control the data written to the user's terminal under specific options.

What to do

The consequences could be absolutely devastating! An attacker could execute any command on your system, potentially gaining full control over your environment, stealing sensitive data, or causing chaos in your applications. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this isn't just a minor issue—it's a major threat that could lead to catastrophic data breaches! To secure your system, immediately update to the latest version of the rxvt-unicode package. Review and limit configuration options that could lead to exploitation, and conduct a security audit of your terminal settings. Don't leave anything to chance! You've got this! With these steps, you can lock down your system and keep the bad guys out! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02222 · 82.6th percentile
Weakness
CWE-74 · Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
Published
2022-12-09T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 09 DEC 00:00Z
    The rxvt-unicode package is vulnerable to a remote code execution, in the Perl background extension, when an attacker can control the data written to the…
    cvelistv5