CVE-2023-40359
NVD-CWE-noinfoPublished: August 14, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
xterm before 380 supports ReGIS reporting for character-set names even if they have unexpected characters (i.e., neither alphanumeric nor underscore), aka a pointer/overflow issue. This can only occur for xterm installations that are configured at compile time to use a certain experimental feature.
Risk Analysis
A pointer/overflow issue in xterm occurs when processing specific character-set names, potentially leading to code execution. This critical vulnerability is limited to installations using a specific experimental feature.
No public exploit is known, and it is not in the CISA KEV catalog. It is remotely exploitable with low attack complexity.
Upgrade xterm to version 380 or later, or disable the experimental ReGIS reporting feature.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-40359 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.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-noinfo)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-40359 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts