CVE-2023-44428: MuseScore CAP File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Routine

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-44428 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting musescore. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

MuseScore CAP File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of MuseScore. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of CAP files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 55%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-122, CWE-787
Published	2024-05-03
Last modified	2026-06-17

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

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 06:27 UTCUpdated Record last modified

musescore musescore DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.0.2.230651553

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0.2.230651553

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0.2.230651553 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison musescore sudo apt install musescore=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.2.230651553> sudo apt-mark hold musescore

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

dnf --showduplicates list musescore sudo dnf downgrade musescore-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.2.230651553> sudo dnf versionlock add musescore

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-2023-44428?

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

Is CVE-2023-44428 being exploited?

CVE-2023-44428 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-2023-44428 affect?

CVE-2023-44428 affects musescore. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). MuseScore CAP File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of MuseScore. User interaction is required to exploit

How urgent is CVE-2023-44428?

Priority 39/100. High severity

References

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