CVE-2023-40498: LG Simple Editor cp Command Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-40498 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting simple editor. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

LG Simple Editor cp Command Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of LG Simple Editor. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the cp command implemented in the makeDetailContent method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
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	85.1% (top 1%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2024-05-03
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Zero Day Initiative · Vendor: lg

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-05-03 03:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:18 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lg simple editor DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.21.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.21.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy simple-editor || rpm -q simple-editor || simple-editor --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.21.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison simple-editor sudo apt install simple-editor=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.21.0> sudo apt-mark hold simple-editor

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

dnf --showduplicates list simple-editor sudo dnf downgrade simple-editor-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.21.0> sudo dnf versionlock add simple-editor

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.

Exact fixes by distribution

A distro patch exists: prefer upgrading over downgrading.

Fedora 46 · noctalia · FIXED · 5.4.1-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-a4755e8ef7 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-a4755e8ef7

Fedora ELN · efifs · FIXED · 1.13-1.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-3fd0bb7307 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-3fd0bb7307

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Metasploit: LG Simple Editor Remote Code Execution

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-2023-40498?

simple editor: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-40498 being exploited?

CVE-2023-40498 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-2023-40498 affect?

CVE-2023-40498 affects simple editor. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). LG Simple Editor cp Command Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of LG Simple Editor. Authentication is not required to explo

How urgent is CVE-2023-40498?

Priority 72/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-40516 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE LG Simple Editor Incorrect Permission Assignment Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
CVE-2023-40515 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE LG Simple Editor joinAddUser Improper Input Validation Denial-of-Service Vulnerability
CVE-2023-40514 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE LG Simple Editor FileManagerController getImageByFilename Directory Traversal Information Disclosure Vulnerabi
CVE-2023-40513 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE LG Simple Editor UserManageController getImageByFilename Directory Traversal Information Disclosure Vulnerabil
CVE-2023-40512 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE LG Simple Editor PlayerController getImageByFilename Directory Traversal Information Disclosure Vulnerability

References

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