CVE-2022-3715Public exploit

Shell crash via empty parameter transform

Published Jan 5, 2023 · Updated Nov 3, 2025

Heap-buffer over-read in GNU Bash 5.1.8 allows context-dependent attackers to crash the shell through crafted parameter input. The valid_parameter_transform function in subst.c reads xform[1] before confirming xform[0] exists, so an empty transform accesses one byte past a one-byte heap allocation. Reachability requires a user or automated system to execute crafted shell input; public evidence demonstrates a process crash, while code execution remains unconfirmed.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability0.36%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Heap-buffer over-read in GNU Bash 5.1.8 allows context-dependent attackers to crash the shell through crafted parameter input. The valid_parameter_transform function in subst.c reads xform[1] before confirming xform[0] exists, so an empty transform accesses one byte past a one-byte heap allocation. Reachability requires a user or automated system to execute crafted shell input; public evidence demonstrates a process crash, while code execution remains unconfirmed.

The record

CVE
CVE-2022-3715
Published
Jan 5, 2023
Updated
Nov 3, 2025
Vendor
GNU Project
Product
GNU Bash
Classifications
CWE-122
Attack vector
local
Privileges
authenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jan 5, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Nov 3, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

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  1. Affected versionversion=bash 5.1.8

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesauthenticated

What is affected?

GNU Project · GNU Bashversion=bash 5.1.8

Published CVSS scores

5.5Amazon LinuxCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H
7.8NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

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No observations available

Sep 9, 2026Sep 15, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 15, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitPublished

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-122Heap-based Buffer Overflow

Public exploit references

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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