CVE-2023-27478: libmemcached-awesome is an open source C/C++ client library and tools for the memcached server

This week

MEDIUM 6.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2023-27478 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting libmemcached. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

libmemcached-awesome is an open source C/C++ client library and tools for the memcached server. `libmemcached` could return data for a previously requested key, if that previous request timed out due to a low `POLL_TIMEOUT`. This issue has been addressed in version 1.1.4. Users are advised to upgrade. There are several ways to workaround or lower the probability of this bug affecting a given deployment. 1: use a reasonably high `POLL_TIMEOUT` set

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 45%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2023-03-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: awesome

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-03-07 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:45 UTCUpdated Record last modified

awesome libmemcached UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.0.18 and < 1.1.4

Fixed in: 1.1.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.18

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.1.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade libmemcached

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade libmemcached

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.18 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libmemcached sudo apt install libmemcached=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.18> sudo apt-mark hold libmemcached

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list libmemcached sudo dnf downgrade libmemcached-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.18> sudo dnf versionlock add libmemcached

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.

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-2023-27478?

libmemcached: upgrade to 1.1.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-27478 being exploited?

CVE-2023-27478 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-2023-27478 affect?

CVE-2023-27478 affects libmemcached. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). libmemcached-awesome is an open source C/C++ client library and tools for the memcached server. `libmemcached` could return data for a previously requested key, if that previous request timed out due to a low `POLL_TIMEOUT`. This issue has

How urgent is CVE-2023-27478?

Priority 46/100. Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Memcached vulnerabilities

References

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