CVE-2022-44640Network attack vector

Remote code execution via ASN.1 invalid free

Published Dec 25, 2022 · Updated Apr 15, 2025

Remote code execution in Heimdal before 7.7.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted DER sent to the KDC. The ASN.1 compiler can generate CHOICE decoding code that invokes the wrong free function after a decode error, freeing attacker-influenced memory. Exploitation requires network reachability to a Heimdal KDC and no authentication; successful exploitation can compromise KDC execution and realm credentials.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability1.84%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Remote code execution in Heimdal before 7.7.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted DER sent to the KDC. The ASN.1 compiler can generate CHOICE decoding code that invokes the wrong free function after a decode error, freeing attacker-influenced memory. Exploitation requires network reachability to a Heimdal KDC and no authentication; successful exploitation can compromise KDC execution and realm credentials.

The record

CVE
CVE-2022-44640
Published
Dec 25, 2022
Updated
Apr 15, 2025
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
CWE-415, T1210
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Dec 25, 2022CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Apr 15, 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?

Affected buildAffected product and version details are unavailable.

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.

Published CVSS scores

9.8CISA ADP VulnrichmentCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
8.7GitHub Security AdvisoriesCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N

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.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-415Double Free
T1210Exploitation of Remote Services

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

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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