CVE-2022-43281 is a high-severity heap overflow vulnerability identified in wasm-interp version 1.0.29. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the std::vector<wabt::Type> size() method within the C++ Standard Library implementation (/bits/stl_vector.h). Specifically, the heap overflow occurs when the vector's size is misused or unchecked, leading to memory corruption. This can allow an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory on the heap, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or other impacts compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with an attack vector classified as local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No specific vendor or product beyond wasm-interp 1.0.29 is identified, and no patches or known exploits in the wild are currently reported. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), a common and dangerous class of memory corruption bugs. wasm-interp is a WebAssembly interpreter component, often used in development, testing, or embedded environments that execute WebAssembly bytecode. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, suggesting that attackers might need to trick users into running malicious WebAssembly code interpreted by the vulnerable wasm-interp version. The heap overflow could allow attackers to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-43281 depends on the extent to which wasm-interp 1.0.29 is used within their software development, testing, or runtime environments. Organizations involved in WebAssembly development, embedded systems, or software that integrates wasm-interp could face risks of local privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution if attackers gain local access and can induce user interaction. This could lead to data breaches, system compromise, or disruption of critical services. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, successful exploitation could undermine trust in software supply chains or internal development tools. Although no known exploits are reported, the vulnerability's presence in development tools could be leveraged by insiders or attackers with initial footholds. European entities in sectors such as finance, critical infrastructure, or technology development may be particularly sensitive to such risks, especially if wasm-interp is embedded in their toolchains or products. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk from phishing, social engineering, or insider threats.

To mitigate CVE-2022-43281, European organizations should first identify any usage of wasm-interp version 1.0.29 within their environments, including development, testing, and production systems. Since no official patch links are provided, organizations should monitor wasm-interp repositories and vendor advisories for updates or patches addressing this heap overflow. In the interim, restrict access to systems running vulnerable versions to trusted users only and implement strict user privilege controls to limit local access. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection to detect and prevent execution of unauthorized WebAssembly code. Conduct code audits and static analysis on WebAssembly modules to detect malicious payloads before execution. Additionally, educate users about the risks of running untrusted WebAssembly content and enforce policies to minimize user interaction with potentially malicious files. For environments where wasm-interp is embedded, consider sandboxing or containerization to isolate execution and limit potential damage from exploitation. Finally, implement comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts.