CWE-134
AllowedUse of Externally-Controlled Format String
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product uses a function that accepts a format string as an argument, but the format string originates from an external source.
530 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-4MH5-HW23-J38H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-02 00:00 – Updated: 2022-05-02 00:00Format string vulnerability in the window_error function in yelp-window.c in yelp in Gnome after 2.19.90 and before 2.24 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in an invalid URI on the command line, as demonstrated by use of yelp within (1) man or (2) ghelp URI handlers in Firefox, Evolution, and unspecified other programs.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-3533"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2008-08-18T17:41:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Format string vulnerability in the window_error function in yelp-window.c in yelp in Gnome after 2.19.90 and before 2.24 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in an invalid URI on the command line, as demonstrated by use of yelp within (1) man or (2) ghelp URI handlers in Firefox, Evolution, and unspecified other programs.",
"id": "GHSA-4mh5-hw23-j38h",
"modified": "2022-05-02T00:00:58Z",
"published": "2022-05-02T00:00:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-3533"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/yelp/+bug/254860"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/44449"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2008-September/msg00222.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://bugzilla.gnome.org/attachment.cgi?id=115890"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=546364"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2008-11/msg00000.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/31465"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/31620"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/31834"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/32629"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2008:175"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/30690"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-638-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/2393"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-4MX8-G966-23VM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-10-25 19:00 – Updated: 2022-10-27 19:00Four format string injection vulnerabilities exist in the UPnP logging functionality of Abode Systems, Inc. iota All-In-One Security Kit 6.9Z and 6.9X. A specially-crafted UPnP negotiation can lead to memory corruption, information disclosure, and denial of service. An attacker can host a malicious UPnP service to trigger these vulnerabilities.This vulnerability arises from format string injection via errorCode and errorDescription XML tags, as used within the DoUpdateUPnPbyService action handler.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-35881"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-10-25T17:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Four format string injection vulnerabilities exist in the UPnP logging functionality of Abode Systems, Inc. iota All-In-One Security Kit 6.9Z and 6.9X. A specially-crafted UPnP negotiation can lead to memory corruption, information disclosure, and denial of service. An attacker can host a malicious UPnP service to trigger these vulnerabilities.This vulnerability arises from format string injection via `errorCode` and `errorDescription` XML tags, as used within the `DoUpdateUPnPbyService` action handler.",
"id": "GHSA-4mx8-g966-23vm",
"modified": "2022-10-27T19:00:32Z",
"published": "2022-10-25T19:00:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-35881"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2022-1583"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-4Q56-RF7G-66XJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-11-22 21:32 – Updated: 2025-09-23 15:31A use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow remote attackers who have gained user access to obtain secret data or modify memory.
We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 5.2.1.2930 build 20241025 and later QuTS hero h5.2.1.2929 build 20241025 and later
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-50397"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-11-22T16:15:32Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow remote attackers who have gained user access to obtain secret data or modify memory.\n\nWe have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions:\nQTS 5.2.1.2930 build 20241025 and later\nQuTS hero h5.2.1.2929 build 20241025 and later",
"id": "GHSA-4q56-rf7g-66xj",
"modified": "2025-09-23T15:31:05Z",
"published": "2024-11-22T21:32:15Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-50397"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.qnap.com/en/security-advisory/qsa-24-43"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-4QH3-VW22-FPQ6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-07-21 09:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 06:18It is identified a format string vulnerability in ASUS RT-AX56U V2 & RT-AC86U. This vulnerability is caused by lacking validation for a specific value when calling cm_processChangedConfigMsg in ccm_processREQ_CHANGED_CONFIG function in AiMesh system. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability without privilege to perform remote arbitrary code execution, arbitrary system operation or disrupt service. This issue affects RT-AX56U V2: 3.0.0.4.386_50460; RT-AC86U: 3.0.0.4_386_51529.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-35087"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-07-21T08:15:09Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "\nIt is identified a format string vulnerability in ASUS RT-AX56U V2 \u0026 RT-AC86U. This vulnerability is caused by lacking validation for a specific value when calling cm_processChangedConfigMsg in ccm_processREQ_CHANGED_CONFIG function in AiMesh system. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability without privilege to perform remote arbitrary code execution, arbitrary system operation or disrupt service.\nThis issue affects RT-AX56U V2: 3.0.0.4.386_50460; RT-AC86U: 3.0.0.4_386_51529.",
"id": "GHSA-4qh3-vw22-fpq6",
"modified": "2024-04-04T06:18:30Z",
"published": "2023-07-21T09:30:55Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-35087"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.twcert.org.tw/tw/cp-132-7249-ab2d1-1.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-4RMG-FPP8-38VV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-02-09 21:30 – Updated: 2023-02-17 21:30Use of Externally-Controlled Format String vulnerabilities in STST TA prior to SMR Jan-2023 Release 1 allows arbitrary code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-21420"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-02-09T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String vulnerabilities in STST TA prior to SMR Jan-2023 Release 1 allows arbitrary code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-4rmg-fpp8-38vv",
"modified": "2023-02-17T21:30:40Z",
"published": "2023-02-09T21:30:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-21420"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb?year=2023\u0026month=01"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-4X62-VXRG-5R3P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-08-21 00:31 – Updated: 2026-08-21 00:31IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code due to a format string vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-17136"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-08-20T22:17:13Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "IBM AIX 7.2, and 7.3 and IBM PowerVM VIOS 4.1 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code due to a format string vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-4x62-vxrg-5r3p",
"modified": "2026-08-21T00:31:20Z",
"published": "2026-08-21T00:31:20Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-17136"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283858"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-539Q-24VG-QFM4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:06 – Updated: 2024-03-21 03:34** DISPUTED ** In Tcl 8.6.11, a format string vulnerability in nmakehlp.c might allow code execution via a crated file. NOTE: multiple third parties dispute the significance of this finding.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-35331"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-07-05T15:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "** DISPUTED ** In Tcl 8.6.11, a format string vulnerability in nmakehlp.c might allow code execution via a crated file. NOTE: multiple third parties dispute the significance of this finding.",
"id": "GHSA-539q-24vg-qfm4",
"modified": "2024-03-21T03:34:05Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:06:55Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-35331"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/tcltk/tcl/commit/4705dbdde2f32ff90420765cd93e7ac71d81a222"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://core.tcl-lang.org/tcl/info/28ef6c0c741408a2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://core.tcl-lang.org/tcl/info/bad6cc213dfe8280"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://sqlite.org/forum/info/7dcd751996c93ec9"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-53JQ-RCH4-W6WR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:39 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:39A format string vulnerability in FortiWeb 6.3.0 through 6.3.5 may allow an authenticated, remote attacker to read the content of memory and retrieve sensitive data via the redir parameter.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-29018"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-01-14T16:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A format string vulnerability in FortiWeb 6.3.0 through 6.3.5 may allow an authenticated, remote attacker to read the content of memory and retrieve sensitive data via the redir parameter.",
"id": "GHSA-53jq-rch4-w6wr",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:39:17Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:39:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-29018"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.fortiguard.com/psirt/FG-IR-20-123"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-54P2-QQ73-F565
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:00 – Updated: 2023-02-23 03:30An issue was discovered in Xen through 4.12.x allowing x86 PV guest OS users to cause a denial of service via a VCPUOP_initialise hypercall. hypercall_create_continuation() is a variadic function which uses a printf-like format string to interpret its parameters. Error handling for a bad format character was done using BUG(), which crashes Xen. One path, via the VCPUOP_initialise hypercall, has a bad format character. The BUG() can be hit if VCPUOP_initialise executes for a sufficiently long period of time for a continuation to be created. Malicious guests may cause a hypervisor crash, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS). Xen versions 4.6 and newer are vulnerable. Xen versions 4.5 and earlier are not vulnerable. Only x86 PV guests can exploit the vulnerability. HVM and PVH guests, and guests on ARM systems, cannot exploit the vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-18420"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-10-31T14:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An issue was discovered in Xen through 4.12.x allowing x86 PV guest OS users to cause a denial of service via a VCPUOP_initialise hypercall. hypercall_create_continuation() is a variadic function which uses a printf-like format string to interpret its parameters. Error handling for a bad format character was done using BUG(), which crashes Xen. One path, via the VCPUOP_initialise hypercall, has a bad format character. The BUG() can be hit if VCPUOP_initialise executes for a sufficiently long period of time for a continuation to be created. Malicious guests may cause a hypervisor crash, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS). Xen versions 4.6 and newer are vulnerable. Xen versions 4.5 and earlier are not vulnerable. Only x86 PV guests can exploit the vulnerability. HVM and PVH guests, and guests on ARM systems, cannot exploit the vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-54p2-qq73-f565",
"modified": "2023-02-23T03:30:15Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:00:11Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-18420"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/2BQKX7M2RHCWDBKNPX4KEBI3MJIH6AYZ"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/I5WWPW4BSZDDW7VHU427XTVXV7ROOFFW"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/IZYATWNUGHRBG6I3TC24YHP5Y3J7I6KH"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://seclists.org/bugtraq/2020/Jan/21"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202003-56"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2020/dsa-4602"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-11/msg00037.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/10/31/1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://xenbits.xen.org/xsa/advisory-296.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-54QP-XM8V-H899
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-08-13 21:30 – Updated: 2025-08-13 21:30ComSndFTP FTP Server version 1.3.7 Beta contains a format string vulnerability in its handling of the USER command. By sending a specially crafted username containing format specifiers, a remote attacker can overwrite a hardcoded function pointer in memory (specifically WSACleanup from Ws2_32.dll). This allows the attacker to redirect execution flow and bypass DEP protections using a ROP chain, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is exploitable without authentication and affects default configurations.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2012-10055"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-134"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-08-13T21:15:29Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "ComSndFTP FTP Server version 1.3.7 Beta contains a format string vulnerability in its handling of the USER command. By sending a specially crafted username containing format specifiers, a remote attacker can overwrite a hardcoded function pointer in memory (specifically WSACleanup from Ws2_32.dll). This allows the attacker to redirect execution flow and bypass DEP protections using a ROP chain, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is exploitable without authentication and affects default configurations.",
"id": "GHSA-54qp-xm8v-h899",
"modified": "2025-08-13T21:30:30Z",
"published": "2025-08-13T21:30:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2012-10055"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exploits/windows/ftp/comsnd_ftpd_fmtstr.rb"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20120317214524/http://ftp.comsnd.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/19024"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/19177"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/comsndftp-user-format-string-rce"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
Mitigation
Choose a language that is not subject to this flaw.
Mitigation
Ensure that all format string functions are passed a static string which cannot be controlled by the user, and that the proper number of arguments are always sent to that function as well. If at all possible, use functions that do not support the %n operator in format strings. [REF-116] [REF-117]
Mitigation
Run compilers and linkers with high warning levels, since they may detect incorrect usage.
CAPEC-135: Format String Injection
An adversary includes formatting characters in a string input field on the target application. Most applications assume that users will provide static text and may respond unpredictably to the presence of formatting character. For example, in certain functions of the C programming languages such as printf, the formatting character %s will print the contents of a memory location expecting this location to identify a string and the formatting character %n prints the number of DWORD written in the memory. An adversary can use this to read or write to memory locations or files, or simply to manipulate the value of the resulting text in unexpected ways. Reading or writing memory may result in program crashes and writing memory could result in the execution of arbitrary code if the adversary can write to the program stack.
CAPEC-67: String Format Overflow in syslog()
This attack targets applications and software that uses the syslog() function insecurely. If an application does not explicitely use a format string parameter in a call to syslog(), user input can be placed in the format string parameter leading to a format string injection attack. Adversaries can then inject malicious format string commands into the function call leading to a buffer overflow. There are many reported software vulnerabilities with the root cause being a misuse of the syslog() function.