CVE-2023-38252 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in the w3m text-based web browser component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read in the Strnew_size function located in the Str.c source file. This flaw can be triggered when w3m processes a maliciously crafted HTML file, leading to reading memory outside the intended buffer boundaries. Such out-of-bounds reads can cause application instability or crashes, resulting in a denial of service condition. The vulnerability requires local access (attack vector: local) and user interaction, as the attacker must trick a user into opening the crafted HTML file. The attack complexity is high, and no privileges are required, but user interaction is necessary. The vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity but impacts availability by potentially crashing the w3m process. There are no known exploits in the wild, and no patches were linked in the provided data, but Red Hat typically issues updates for such vulnerabilities. Given that RHEL 6 is an older, legacy operating system, many organizations may still use it in stable environments, making this vulnerability relevant for legacy system administrators. The CVSS 3.1 vector is AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, scoring 4.7, indicating a medium severity level.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily poses a risk of denial of service on systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 with the w3m browser installed. While it does not allow data theft or code execution, service disruption could affect critical legacy systems, especially in sectors relying on stable, long-term supported Linux distributions such as government, finance, and industrial control systems. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or compromised user accounts could still trigger the vulnerability. Organizations using w3m for automated or manual browsing of HTML content in sensitive environments might experience interruptions or downtime. The impact is more pronounced in environments where RHEL 6 remains in use due to compatibility or regulatory reasons, as these systems may lack modern security controls. Disruption in availability could affect operational continuity and require incident response efforts, potentially leading to financial and reputational damage.

To mitigate CVE-2023-38252, European organizations should first verify if w3m is installed and used on their Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems. If w3m is not required, consider uninstalling it to eliminate the attack surface. For systems where w3m is necessary, restrict local user permissions to limit who can execute the browser and open HTML files. Implement strict file handling policies to prevent users from opening untrusted or unsolicited HTML content. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions to monitor and block suspicious activities involving w3m. Since no patch links were provided, organizations should check Red Hat’s official security advisories and promptly apply any available updates or backported fixes. Additionally, consider isolating legacy RHEL 6 systems from general user environments and restrict access via network segmentation. Regularly audit and monitor system logs for abnormal crashes or application failures related to w3m. Finally, educate users about the risks of opening untrusted HTML files, especially on legacy systems.