Buffer overflow vulnerability has been found in "extension/readdir.c" program file of gawk (ftype() routine).
Buffer overflow vulnerability has been found in "extension/readdir.c" program file of gawk (ftype() routine). This issue could be used to crash the program and potentially to achieve code execution, although the latter has not been confirmed to be feasible. It affects gawk in versions 5.4.0 and below.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability is a buffer overflow in the ftype() routine within the extension/readdir.c source file of gawk. It affects gawk versions 5.4.0 and earlier. The issue can lead to program crashes and might allow code execution, but this latter impact is not confirmed. The affected versions are specific Ubuntu package builds of gawk ranging from 4.0.1 up to 5.3.2 as listed. There is no indication of known exploits in the wild or an official patch provided in the data. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates a local attack vector with low complexity and no privileges or user interaction required, but with limited impact.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause gawk to crash due to a buffer overflow. Potential code execution is noted but not confirmed. No known active exploitation has been reported. The impact is primarily denial of service with a possible but unconfirmed elevation to code execution.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no patch or official fix information is provided, users should monitor for updates from Ubuntu or gawk maintainers. Until a fix is available, avoid processing untrusted input with vulnerable gawk versions to reduce risk.
Buffer overflow vulnerability has been found in "extension/readdir.c" program file of gawk (ftype() routine).
Description
Buffer overflow vulnerability has been found in "extension/readdir.c" program file of gawk (ftype() routine). This issue could be used to crash the program and potentially to achieve code execution, although the latter has not been confirmed to be feasible. It affects gawk in versions 5.4.0 and below.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
pkg:deb/ubuntu/gawk@1:4.0.1+dfsg-2.1ubuntu2+esm1?arch=source&distro=esm-infra-legacy/trustypkg:deb/ubuntu/gawk@1:4.1.3+dfsg-0.1ubuntu0.1~esm1?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/xenialpkg:deb/ubuntu/gawk@1:4.1.4+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1~esm1?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/bionicpkg:deb/ubuntu/gawk@1:5.0.1+dfsg-1ubuntu0.1?arch=source&distro=focalpkg:deb/ubuntu/gawk@1:5.1.0-1ubuntu0.1?arch=source&distro=jammypkg:deb/ubuntu/gawk@1:5.2.1-2build3?arch=source&distro=noblepkg:deb/ubuntu/gawk@1:5.3.2-1ubuntu1?arch=source&distro=resoluteRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability is a buffer overflow in the ftype() routine within the extension/readdir.c source file of gawk. It affects gawk versions 5.4.0 and earlier. The issue can lead to program crashes and might allow code execution, but this latter impact is not confirmed. The affected versions are specific Ubuntu package builds of gawk ranging from 4.0.1 up to 5.3.2 as listed. There is no indication of known exploits in the wild or an official patch provided in the data. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates a local attack vector with low complexity and no privileges or user interaction required, but with limited impact.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability can cause gawk to crash due to a buffer overflow. Potential code execution is noted but not confirmed. No known active exploitation has been reported. The impact is primarily denial of service with a possible but unconfirmed elevation to code execution.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no patch or official fix information is provided, users should monitor for updates from Ubuntu or gawk maintainers. Until a fix is available, avoid processing untrusted input with vulnerable gawk versions to reduce risk.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- UBUNTU-CVE-2026-40553
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.0
- Aliases
- []
- Ecosystems
- ["Ubuntu:Pro:14.04:LTS","Ubuntu:Pro:16.04:LTS","Ubuntu:Pro:18.04:LTS","Ubuntu:20.04:LTS","Ubuntu:22.04:LTS","Ubuntu:24.04:LTS","Ubuntu:26.04:LTS"]
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6a58b4c668715ace43daac2f
Added to database: 07/16/2026, 10:39:02 UTC
Last enriched: 07/16/2026, 13:18:49 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:24:46 UTC
Views: 4
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