CVE-2023-5183: Unsafe deserialization of untrusted JSON allows execution of arbitrary code on affected releases of the Illumi

This month

CRITICAL 9.9UPGRADE

CVE-2023-5183 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.9) affecting core policy compute engine. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Unsafe deserialization of untrusted JSON allows execution of arbitrary code on affected releases of the Illumio PCE. Authentication to the API is required to exploit this vulnerability. The flaw exists within the network_traffic API endpoint. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the PCE’s operating system user.

Why this priority

Critical severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.9 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.8% (top 22%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-502
Published	2023-09-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Illumio · Vendor: illumio

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-09-27 15:19 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

illumio core policy compute engine UPGRADE

Affected: < 19.3.7 · >= 21.2.0 and < 21.2.8 · >= 21.5.0 and < 21.5.36 · >= 22.2.0 and < 22.2.42 · >= 22.5.0 and < 22.5.31 · >= 23.2.0 and < 23.2.11

Fixed in: 19.3.7, 21.2.8, 21.5.36, 22.2.42, 22.5.31, 23.2.11

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 21.2.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy core-policy-compute-engine || rpm -q core-policy-compute-engine || core-policy-compute-engine --version

2. UPGRADE to 19.3.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade core-policy-compute-engine

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade core-policy-compute-engine

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 21.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison core-policy-compute-engine sudo apt install core-policy-compute-engine=<VERSION_BEFORE_21.2.0> sudo apt-mark hold core-policy-compute-engine

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

dnf --showduplicates list core-policy-compute-engine sudo dnf downgrade core-policy-compute-engine-<VERSION_BEFORE_21.2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add core-policy-compute-engine

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-2023-5183?

core policy compute engine: upgrade to 19.3.7, 21.2.8, 21.5.36, 22.2.42, 22.5.31, 23.2.11. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-5183 being exploited?

CVE-2023-5183 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-2023-5183 affect?

CVE-2023-5183 affects core policy compute engine. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.9). Unsafe deserialization of untrusted JSON allows execution of arbitrary code on affected releases of the Illumio PCE. Authentication to the API is required to exploit this vulnerability. The flaw exists within the network_traffic API endpoin

How urgent is CVE-2023-5183?

Priority 54/100. Critical severity

References

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