CVE-2022-23597

What it is

Element Desktop is a Matrix client for desktop platforms with Element Web at its core. Element Desktop before 1.9.7 is vulnerable to a remote program execution bug with user interaction. The exploit is non-trivial and requires clicking on a malicious link, followed by another button click. To the best of our knowledge, the vulnerability has never been exploited in the wild. If you are using Element Desktop < 1.9.7, we recommend upgrading at your earliest convenience. If successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows an attacker to specify a file path of a binary on the victim's computer which then gets executed. Notably, the attacker does *not* have the ability to specify program arguments. However, in certain unspecified configurations, the attacker may be able to specify an URI instead of a file path which then gets handled using standard platform mechanisms. These may allow exploiting further vulnerabilities in those mechanisms, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2022-02-01 12:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:30 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.3 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2022-02-01 12:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:30 UTC

Exploit probability

1.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-416 · Use after free

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Element Desktop < 1.9.7

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2022-23597.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2022-23597. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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