CVE-2022-24903

HIGH

rsyslog < 8.2204.1 - Heap Buffer Overflow via Octet-Counted Framing

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2022-24903. PoCs published by andree554.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This repository provides a detailed technical walkthrough and hands-on lab for CVE-2022-24903, a heap-based buffer overflow in rsyslog's TCP syslog reception module (imtcp) when using octet-counted framing. The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to trigger a denial of service (DoS) via a crafted TCP syslog message with an excessively long octet-count prefix, though remote code execution (RCE) is deemed unlikely by the vendor.

Description

Rsyslog is a rocket-fast system for log processing. Modules for TCP syslog reception have a potential heap buffer overflow when octet-counted framing is used. This can result in a segfault or some other malfunction. As of our understanding, this vulnerability can not be used for remote code execution. But there may still be a slight chance for experts to do that. The bug occurs when the octet count is read. While there is a check for the maximum number of octets, digits are written to a heap buffer even when the octet count is over the maximum, This can be used to overrun the memory buffer. However, once the sequence of digits stop, no additional characters can be added to the buffer. In our opinion, this makes remote exploits impossible or at least highly complex. Octet-counted framing is one of two potential framing modes. It is relatively uncommon, but enabled by default on receivers. Modules `imtcp`, `imptcp`, `imgssapi`, and `imhttp` are used for regular syslog message reception. It is best practice not to directly expose them to the public. When this practice is followed, the risk is considerably lower. Module `imdiag` is a diagnostics module primarily intended for testbench runs. We do not expect it to be present on any production installation. Octet-counted framing is not very common. Usually, it needs to be specifically enabled at senders. If users do not need it, they can turn it off for the most important modules. This will mitigate the vulnerability.

Exploits (1)

nomisec WRITEUP
by andree554 · poc
https://github.com/andree554/CVE-2022-24903-Heap-based-buffer-overflow-Hand-On-Lab

This repository provides a detailed technical walkthrough and hands-on lab for CVE-2022-24903, a heap-based buffer overflow in rsyslog's TCP syslog reception module (imtcp) when using octet-counted framing. The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to trigger a denial of service (DoS) via a crafted TCP syslog message with an excessively long octet-count prefix, though remote code execution (RCE) is deemed unlikely by the vendor.

Classification
Writeup 98%
Attack Type
Dos
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: rsyslog < 8.2204.1 (specifically 8.2001.0)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to rsyslog server on TCP port 514 · Vulnerable rsyslog version installed (8.2001.0) · Octet-counted framing enabled in rsyslog configuration
mistral-large-3 · analyzed Jul 31, 2026 Full analysis →

Scores

CVSS v3 8.1
EPSS 0.0393
EPSS Percentile 89.3%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation none
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Details

CWE
CWE-120 CWE-1284
Status published
Products (6)
debian/debian_linux 9.0
debian/debian_linux 10.0
debian/debian_linux 11.0
fedoraproject/fedora 35
netapp/active_iq_unified_manager
rsyslog/rsyslog < 8.2204.1
Published May 06, 2022
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026