CVE-2023-4911
HIGHCISA KEVEPSS 100th pctlDescription
A buffer overflow was discovered in the GNU C Library's dynamic loader ld.so while processing the GLIBC_TUNABLES environment variable. This issue could allow a local attacker to use maliciously crafted GLIBC_TUNABLES environment variables when launching binaries with SUID permission to execute code with elevated privileges.
How to fix
This vulnerability affects an unusually large number of packages. The highest-confidence fixes are shown above; the full list is longer. Check the referenced advisories for complete coverage.
TridentStack Control can deploy fixes like this automatically across your Windows, macOS, and Linux fleet. See how it works
Remediation is compiled from vendor and distribution security advisories. Always confirm against the linked source for your exact version and platform.
CVSS v3 Vector
Exploitability
Impact
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Exploit Intelligence
Very high risk: more likely to be exploited than 100% of all known CVEs.
GNU C Library Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
GNU C Library's dynamic loader ld.so contains a buffer overflow vulnerability when processing the GLIBC_TUNABLES environment variable, allowing a local attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Remediation due: 2023-12-12
References
Related Vulnerabilities
Other CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) vulnerabilities, ordered by exploit likelihood. View all
| CVE | Severity | CVSS | EPSS | Exploited | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2015-3113 | Critical | 9.8 | 100% | KEV | Fix |
| CVE-2020-25687 | Medium | 5.9 | 87% | - | Fix |
| CVE-2009-3459 | High | 8.8 | 87% | KEV | Fix |
| CVE-2021-21017 | High | 8.8 | 86% | KEV | - |
| CVE-2020-25683 | Medium | 5.9 | 86% | - | Fix |
| CVE-2023-27997 | Critical | 9.8 | 86% | KEV + Ransom | - |
Common questions
How do I fix CVE-2023-4911?
Published advisories record a fix for 389 affected products. The "How to fix" section on this page lists the fixed version and source advisory for each one, so apply the entry matching what you actually run.
Is CVE-2023-4911 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2023-4911 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, which means exploitation has been observed in the wild. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 2023-12-12. Treat it as a priority whatever its CVSS score says.
How severe is CVE-2023-4911?
CVE-2023-4911 has a CVSS v3 base score of 7.8, rated high. CVSS rates the technical impact if the vulnerability is exploited, not how likely that is, so weigh it alongside the exploit-prediction score when you decide what to patch first.
What does CVE-2023-4911 affect?
Published advisories record a fix for compat-libpthread-nonshared (Amazon), glibc (Amazon), glibc-all-langpacks (Amazon), glibc-benchtests (Amazon), and 385 more. The list on this page is capped, so there may be more.
Embed a live status badge for CVE-2023-4911
Markdown
[](https://tridentstack.com/cve/CVE-2023-4911)HTML
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This product uses NVD data but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS scores courtesy of FIRST.org (https://www.first.org/epss). Source: CISA KEV Catalog. Data as of 2026-06-17.