CVE-2023-38497

What it is

Cargo downloads the Rust project’s dependencies and compiles the project. Cargo prior to version 0.72.2, bundled with Rust prior to version 1.71.1, did not respect the umask when extracting crate archives on UNIX-like systems. If the user downloaded a crate containing files writeable by any local user, another local user could exploit this to change the source code compiled and executed by the current user. To prevent existing cached extractions from being exploitable, the Cargo binary version 0.72.2 included in Rust 1.71.1 or later will purge caches generated by older Cargo versions automatically. As a workaround, configure one's system to prevent other local users from accessing the Cargo directory, usually located in `~/.cargo`.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-08-04 16:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 06:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.9 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-08-04 16:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 06:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-278

Record status

Modified

Affected

• rust-lang Cargo < 0.72.2
• Fedoraproject Fedora 38

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.9

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

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-2023-38497.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-38497. 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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