CVE-2022-48554: File before 5.43 has an stack-based buffer over-read in file_copystr in funcs.c

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MEDIUM 5.5WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2022-48554 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting file, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

File before 5.43 has an stack-based buffer over-read in file_copystr in funcs.c. NOTE: "File" is the name of an Open Source project.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 48%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2023-08-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · file project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-08-22 19:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:15 UTCUpdated Record last modified

file project file DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.41

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.41

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy file || rpm -q file || file --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.41 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison file sudo apt install file=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.41> sudo apt-mark hold file

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list file sudo dnf downgrade file-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.41> sudo dnf versionlock add file

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 11.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 11.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
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-2022-48554?

file: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-48554 being exploited?

CVE-2022-48554 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-2022-48554 affect?

CVE-2022-48554 affects file, debian linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). File before 5.43 has an stack-based buffer over-read in file_copystr in funcs.c. NOTE: "File" is the name of an Open Source project.

How urgent is CVE-2022-48554?

Priority 42/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

References

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