CVE-2023-43641: lipnitsk libcue · Out-of-bounds Write
Affects lipnitsk libcueSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · 17% EPSS · CVSS 8.8 High · fixed in 2.3 : patch lipnitsk libcue soon.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 12:54 UTC
- EPSS
- 17.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 97% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 2.3
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 9 Oct 2023
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
GitHublipnitsk/libcuepkg:github/lipnitsk/libcueOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
European organizations should immediately upgrade libcue to version 2.3.0 or later to patch the vulnerability. Disable or restrict the tracker-miners service from automatically scanning the Downloads directory or any directory where untrusted files are saved, especially for users with elevated privileges. Implement endpoint security solutions that monitor and block execution of untrusted binaries or scripts spawned from user directories. Educate users about the risks of downloading files from untrusted sources, particularly .cue files. Employ network-level protections such as web filtering to block access to known malicious sites hosting crafted CUE files. Use application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code. Regularly audit and monitor GNOME desktop environments for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. For organizations with strict security requirements, consider sandboxing or isolating the tracker-miners process to limit potential damage from exploitation.
Description
CVE-2023-43641 is a high-severity out-of-bounds write vulnerability in libcue versions 2.2.1 and earlier. Libcue is used to parse CUE sheet files, commonly handled by GNOME desktop environments through tracker-miners. When a maliciously crafted . cue file is downloaded and saved to the user's Downloads folder, tracker-miners automatically scan and parse it using libcue, triggering the vulnerability. This can lead to remote code execution without requiring prior authentication, only user interaction to download the file. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. It is patched in libcue version 2.3.
References
- github.blog/2023-10-09-coordinated-disclosure-1-click-rce-on-gnome-cve-2023-43641/ (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/lipnitsk/libcue/security/advisories/GHSA-5982-x7hv-r9cj (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/lipnitsk/libcue/commit/cfb98a060fd79dbc3463d85f0f29c3c335dfa0ea (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/lipnitsk/libcue/commit/fdf72c8bded8d24cfa0608b8e97f2eed210a920e (opens in a new tab)
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/57JEYTRFG4PVGZZ7HIEFTX5I7OONFFMI/ (opens in a new tab)
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/10/msg00018.html (opens in a new tab)
- debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5524 (opens in a new tab)
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/PGQOMFDBXGM3DOICCXKCUS76OTKTSPMN/ (opens in a new tab)
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/XUS4HTNGGGUIFLYSKTODCRIOXLX5HGV3/ (opens in a new tab)
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/176128/libcue-2.2.1-Out-Of-Bounds-Access.html (opens in a new tab)