CVE-2023-45920: Xfig v3.2.8 was discovered to contain a NULL pointer dereference when calling XGetWMHints()

Routine

MEDIUM 4.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-45920 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.2) affecting xfig. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Xfig v3.2.8 was discovered to contain a NULL pointer dereference when calling XGetWMHints(). NOTE: this is disputed because it is not expected that an X application should continue to run when there is arbitrary anomalous behavior from the X server or window manager.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.2 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 86%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-476
Published	2024-03-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xfig project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-03-27 05:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:29 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xfig project xfig DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.2.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.2.8

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.2.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xfig sudo apt install xfig=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.8> sudo apt-mark hold xfig

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

dnf --showduplicates list xfig sudo dnf downgrade xfig-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.8> sudo dnf versionlock add xfig

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-2023-45920?

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

Is CVE-2023-45920 being exploited?

CVE-2023-45920 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-2023-45920 affect?

CVE-2023-45920 affects xfig. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.2). Xfig v3.2.8 was discovered to contain a NULL pointer dereference when calling XGetWMHints(). NOTE: this is disputed because it is not expected that an X application should continue to run when there is arbitrary anomalous behavior from the

How urgent is CVE-2023-45920?

Priority 18/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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