A use-after-free in the awk_sub() function (editors/awk.c) of Busybox v1.38.0 allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via supplying a… (CVE-2026-38753)
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the awk_sub() function of Busybox version 1.38.0. This flaw can be triggered by supplying a crafted AWK script, leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2026-38753 and is classified with high severity due to its potential to disrupt service availability.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-38753 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the awk_sub() function located in editors/awk.c of Busybox v1.38.0. An attacker can exploit this by providing a specially crafted AWK script, causing the program to access freed memory, resulting in a Denial of Service. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 (Use After Free). There is no information about available patches or fixes at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in a Denial of Service (DoS) by crashing or destabilizing the Busybox process running the vulnerable awk_sub() function. There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid processing untrusted or malicious AWK scripts with Busybox v1.38.0 to mitigate risk.
A use-after-free in the awk_sub() function (editors/awk.c) of Busybox v1.38.0 allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via supplying a… (CVE-2026-38753)
Description
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the awk_sub() function of Busybox version 1.38.0. This flaw can be triggered by supplying a crafted AWK script, leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2026-38753 and is classified with high severity due to its potential to disrupt service availability.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-38753 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the awk_sub() function located in editors/awk.c of Busybox v1.38.0. An attacker can exploit this by providing a specially crafted AWK script, causing the program to access freed memory, resulting in a Denial of Service. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 (Use After Free). There is no information about available patches or fixes at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation results in a Denial of Service (DoS) by crashing or destabilizing the Busybox process running the vulnerable awk_sub() function. There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid processing untrusted or malicious AWK scripts with Busybox v1.38.0 to mitigate risk.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-9r55-p3jw-v652
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-38753"]
- Ecosystems
- []
- Database Specific Severity
- HIGH
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6a5e79eb2a4a8d59899bb787
Added to database: 07/20/2026, 19:41:31 UTC
Last enriched: 07/20/2026, 19:46:51 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:24:49 UTC
Views: 15
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