CVE-2023-32684

What it is

Lima launches Linux virtual machines, typically on macOS, for running containerd. Prior to version 0.16.0, a virtual machine instance with a malicious disk image could read a single file on the host filesystem, even when no filesystem is mounted from the host. The official templates of Lima and the well-known third party products (Colima, Rancher Desktop, and Finch) are unlikely to be affected by this issue. To exploit this issue, the attacker has to embed the target file path (an absolute or a relative path from the instance directory) in a malicious disk image, as the qcow2 (or vmdk) backing file path string. As Lima refuses to run as the root, it is practically impossible for the attacker to read the entire host disk via `/dev/rdiskN`. Also, practically, the attacker cannot read at least the first 512 bytes (MBR) of the target file. The issue has been patched in Lima in version 0.16.0 by prohibiting using a backing file path in the VM base image.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-05-30 18:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 05:59 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 2.7 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-05-30 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:59 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-552

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linuxfoundation Lima < 0.16.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 2.7

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

None

Availability

None

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-2023-32684.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-32684. 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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