CVE-2022-44542
CWE-502Published: November 1, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
lesspipe before 2.06 allows attackers to execute code via Perl Storable (pst) files, because of deserialized object destructor execution via a key/value pair in a hash.
Risk Analysis
Lesspipe is vulnerable to remote code execution when processing specifically crafted Perl Storable (pst) files due to insecure deserialization. Given the critical CVSS score of 9.8, this flaw poses a significant risk to systems that automatically process untrusted input.
There is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, and it is not present in the CISA KEV. The flaw is remotely exploitable with low attack complexity.
Users should update to lesspipe version 2.06 or later to address the deserialization vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2022-44542 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-502): Insecure deserialization vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious objects during deserialization, potentially enabling remote code execution.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (6)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-502)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2022-44542 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts