CVE-2022-36044 in Rizin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/07/2022
Rizin is a UNIX-like reverse engineering framework and command-line toolset. Versions 0.4.0 and prior are vulnerable to an out-of-bounds write when getting data from Luac files. A user opening a malicious Luac file could be affected by this vulnerability, allowing an attacker to execute code on the user's machine. Commits 07b43bc8aa1ffebd9b68d60624c9610cf7e460c7 and 05bbd147caccc60162d6fba9baaaf24befa281cd contain fixes for the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2022-36044 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Rizin reverse engineering framework affecting versions 0.4.0 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the framework's handling of Luac files, which are Lua bytecode files commonly used for distributing Lua scripts. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing these binary files, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted Luac files can trigger memory corruption during the data extraction process. The flaw specifically manifests when Rizin attempts to parse and interpret the structure of Luac files, where the software fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before writing data to memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer or array. The security implications are severe as this vulnerability enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to potentially gain full control over a victim's system simply by opening a malicious Luac file. Attackers can leverage this weakness through the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves executing malicious code through interpreted languages, specifically targeting the Lua runtime environment within Rizin's processing pipeline. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file parsing level, meaning that any user who opens a crafted Luac file in Rizin is immediately at risk, regardless of their technical expertise or security awareness.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2022-36044 occurs when Rizin processes a malicious Luac file that contains specially crafted bytecode sequences designed to overflow memory buffers. The out-of-bounds write vulnerability typically happens during the parsing of the Luac file header or constant table sections where the software assumes certain array sizes or memory layouts without proper validation. When the software attempts to write data beyond allocated buffer boundaries, it can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program state or injecting malicious code into the execution flow. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a legitimate reverse engineering tool that users expect to be safe for analyzing potentially malicious code, creating a false sense of security that attackers can exploit. The memory corruption can lead to various outcomes including arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or information disclosure, depending on the specific memory locations overwritten and the attacker's objectives. The affected Rizin versions demonstrate a lack of proper bounds checking mechanisms that should be implemented according to secure coding practices outlined in industry standards. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise. The fix implemented in commits 07b43bc8aa1ffebd9b68d60624c9610cf7e460c7 and 05bbd147caccc60162d6fba9baaaf24befa281cd addresses the core issue by adding proper input validation and buffer boundary checks before any data is written to memory locations, effectively preventing the out-of-bounds write condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-36044 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security of reverse engineering workflows that rely on Rizin for analysis. Security professionals, malware analysts, and penetration testers who use Rizin for legitimate purposes are particularly vulnerable since they frequently handle untrusted files during their work processes. The vulnerability creates a dangerous attack surface where adversaries can craft Luac files that appear benign but contain malicious payloads designed to exploit this specific weakness. Organizations that depend on Rizin for software analysis, debugging, or reverse engineering activities face significant risk exposure, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering campaigns where attackers distribute seemingly legitimate Luac files. The vulnerability also impacts the broader cybersecurity community since Rizin is often used in security research and educational environments where users may encounter malicious files during testing or learning processes. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code, and T1059.007 for the interpreted language execution component. The fix implementation requires careful attention to memory management practices and proper validation of all input data, ensuring that buffer operations are performed within safe boundaries. The mitigation strategy involves immediate patching of affected Rizin versions, but organizations should also implement additional security controls such as sandboxing file processing environments, implementing file type restrictions, and conducting regular security assessments of reverse engineering tools to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their security infrastructure.