CVE-2022-4515

ctags: arbitrary command execution via a tag file with a crafted filename

Published Dec 20, 2022 CVSS 3.1 · 7.8 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A flaw was found in Exuberant Ctags in the way it handles the "-o" option. This option specifies the tag filename. A crafted tag filename specified in the command line or in the configuration file results in arbitrary command execution because the externalSortTags() in sort.c calls the system(3) function in an unsafe way.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-3254-1 exuberant-ctags security update
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2022-51855 A flaw was found in Exuberant Ctags in the way it handles the "-o" option. This option specifies the tag filename. A crafted tag filename specified in the command line or in the configuration file results in arbitrary command execution because the externalSortTags() in sort.c calls the system(3) function in an unsafe way.
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-5820-1 exuberant-ctags vulnerability
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
redhat
Published
Updated
Apr 14, 2025, 6:14 PM
Reserved
Dec 15, 2022, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
Dec 20, 2022, 7:15 PM
Modified
Jun 17, 2026, 5:21 AM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Dec 19, 2022, 12:00 AM