Is CVE-2023-29542 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2023-29542 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2023-29542 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2023-29542 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-29542?

CVE-2023-29542 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2023-29542

CRITICAL

CVE-2023-29542

NVD-CWE-noinfoPublished: June 19, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A newline in a filename could have been used to bypass the file extension security mechanisms that replace malicious file extensions such as .lnk with .download. This could have led to accidental execution of malicious code.

*This bug only affects Firefox and Thunderbird on Windows. Other versions of Firefox and Thunderbird are unaffected.* This vulnerability affects Firefox < 112, Firefox ESR < 102.10, and Thunderbird < 102.10.

NVD Source

Risk Analysis

A filename newline character in Firefox and Thunderbird on Windows can bypass file extension security, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code. This critical flaw allows attackers to disguise malicious files as safe downloads.

The vulnerability is remotely exploitable with low complexity, but there is no known public exploit.

Recommended Action

Update Firefox and Thunderbird to versions 112 or 102.10 ESR or later.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2023-29542 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.