PatchTheCVECVE-2017-20229: MAWK 1.3.3-17 and prior contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute
CVE-2017-20229 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting mawk. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
MAWK 1.3.3-17 and prior contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting inadequate boundary checks on user-supplied input. Attackers can craft malicious input that overflows the stack buffer and execute a return-oriented programming chain to spawn a shell with application privileges.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Public exploit reference
- CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.6% (top 51%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-787 |
| Published | 2026-03-28 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- Write-up: www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42357
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2017-20229?
mawk: upgrade to newer than 1.3.3-17. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2017-20229 being exploited?
CVE-2017-20229 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2017-20229 affect?
CVE-2017-20229 affects mawk. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). MAWK 1.3.3-17 and prior contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting inadequate boundary checks on user-supplied input. Attackers can craft malicious input that overflows
How urgent is CVE-2017-20229?
Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action