CVE-2022-23462 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Softmotions iowow library, a C utility library and persistent key/value storage engine widely used for efficient data storage and retrieval. The vulnerability affects version 1.4.15 and earlier. It arises specifically when the library parses scientific notation numbers embedded within JSON data. The flaw is due to improper bounds checking on the stack buffer during this parsing process, which can lead to a buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-120 and CWE-121, indicating a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario. Exploitation of this vulnerability can cause a Denial of Service (DoS) by crashing the application or potentially triggering undefined behavior. However, there are no reports of active exploitation in the wild to date. The issue was addressed by a patch committed to the master branch of the iowow repository (commit a79d31e4cff1d5a08f665574b29fd885897a28fd). No alternative workarounds exist, making patching the sole remediation method. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction to trigger, as it can be exploited by supplying crafted JSON input to the affected library functions. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it primarily impacts the availability of applications relying on iowow for JSON parsing and data storage, potentially causing service interruptions or crashes.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-23462 depends largely on the extent of iowow library usage within their software stacks. Organizations utilizing iowow for persistent key/value storage or JSON parsing in critical applications may face service disruptions due to DoS conditions triggered by maliciously crafted JSON inputs. This could affect sectors relying on real-time data processing, such as financial services, telecommunications, and industrial control systems. While the vulnerability does not appear to allow remote code execution or data corruption directly, the resulting denial of service could degrade operational continuity, impacting business processes and service availability. Additionally, organizations in Europe with compliance requirements around service uptime and data integrity (e.g., GDPR mandates on data availability and integrity) may face regulatory scrutiny if the vulnerability is exploited. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the ease of triggering the vulnerability without authentication or user interaction means that attackers could potentially automate attacks against exposed services. Therefore, the threat is significant for any European entity deploying affected versions of iowow in production environments, especially those exposed to untrusted inputs.

The primary and only effective mitigation for CVE-2022-23462 is to apply the official patch available in the iowow repository (commit a79d31e4cff1d5a08f665574b29fd885897a28fd). Organizations should: 1) Inventory all software components and dependencies to identify usage of iowow version 1.4.15 or earlier. 2) Update the iowow library to the patched version or later in all affected applications and services. 3) Conduct thorough testing to ensure stability and compatibility post-update. 4) Implement input validation and sanitization at the application layer to restrict or validate JSON inputs, especially those containing scientific notation numbers, to reduce the risk of malformed data triggering the vulnerability. 5) Monitor application logs and system behavior for signs of crashes or anomalous activity that may indicate attempted exploitation. 6) For critical systems, consider deploying runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization (ASLR), and control flow integrity (CFI) to mitigate the impact of buffer overflows. 7) Engage with software vendors and development teams to ensure timely patch management and vulnerability awareness. Since no workarounds exist, patching remains the only definitive solution.