Code execution via uninitialized MSI atom pointer
Published Jul 21, 2023 · Updated Mar 5, 2025
Use of an uninitialized pointer in Open Babel 3.1.1 allows context-dependent attackers to execute code via a crafted MSI file. MSIFormat::ReadMolecule accepts an XYZ record before an ACL record creates atom, then calls atom->SetVector with attacker-controlled coordinates through the uninitialized pointer. Exploitation requires a target application or service to parse the malicious file through obabel, OBConversion, or a language binding, enabling controlled memory writes and arbitrary code execution.
Summary
What happened
Use of an uninitialized pointer in Open Babel 3.1.1 allows context-dependent attackers to execute code via a crafted MSI file. MSIFormat::ReadMolecule accepts an XYZ record before an ACL record creates atom, then calls atom->SetVector with attacker-controlled coordinates through the uninitialized pointer. Exploitation requires a target application or service to parse the malicious file through obabel, OBConversion, or a language binding, enabling controlled memory writes and arbitrary code execution.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2022-44451
- Published
- Jul 21, 2023
- Updated
- Mar 5, 2025
- Vendor
- Open Babel
- Product
- Open Babel
- Classifications
- CWE-824, T1204.002
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jul 21, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Mar 5, 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?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=3.1.1
- Affected versionversion=master commit 530dbfa3
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Upstream MSI regression reproducerproof of concept · validated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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