CVE-2024-27282 is a heap-based information disclosure vulnerability in the Ruby programming language's regex compiler affecting versions 3.0 through 3.3.0. The issue arises when attacker-supplied data is processed by the regex compiler, allowing an attacker to read arbitrary heap memory relative to the start of the input text. This can expose sensitive data such as memory pointers and confidential strings that reside in the heap, potentially leaking secrets or internal state information. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read). Exploitation requires the attacker to supply crafted input that triggers the flaw during regex compilation, necessitating user interaction but no elevated privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.6 (medium), reflecting local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction needed. The impact primarily affects confidentiality, with limited integrity and availability consequences. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 8, 2024, with fixed Ruby versions released shortly after: 3.0.7, 3.1.5, 3.2.4, and 3.3.1. No known exploits have been observed in the wild to date, but the potential for sensitive data leakage makes timely patching critical. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for applications and services relying on Ruby regex processing, including web applications, automation scripts, and backend services.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-27282 is the potential leakage of sensitive information from heap memory, which could include cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential data processed or stored in memory during regex operations. This can lead to confidentiality breaches, undermining data protection obligations under regulations such as GDPR. Organizations running Ruby-based web applications, middleware, or automation tools that accept user input for regex processing are at risk. Although the attack requires local access and user interaction, insider threats or compromised user accounts could exploit this vulnerability to escalate data exposure. The limited impact on integrity and availability reduces the risk of service disruption but does not diminish the importance of protecting sensitive data. The vulnerability could also facilitate further attacks if leaked pointers or strings enable attackers to craft more sophisticated exploits. Given the widespread use of Ruby in European software development and production environments, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, the risk of data leakage is significant if unpatched.

European organizations should immediately upgrade Ruby installations to the fixed versions: 3.0.7, 3.1.5, 3.2.4, or 3.3.1, depending on their current version. Where immediate patching is not feasible, restrict access to systems running vulnerable Ruby versions to trusted users only and monitor for unusual regex compilation activities or anomalous user input patterns. Implement input validation and sanitization to limit attacker-controlled data reaching the regex compiler. Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) or memory protection tools to detect and prevent out-of-bounds memory reads. Conduct code reviews and security testing focused on regex usage in applications. Additionally, audit logs for suspicious user interactions that could indicate exploitation attempts. For critical systems, consider isolating Ruby processes or running them with minimal privileges to reduce the attack surface. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of Ruby versions in use across the organization to ensure comprehensive remediation.