CVE-2023-24205 in Clash
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2023
Clash for Windows v0.20.12 was discovered to contain a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability which is exploited via overwriting the configuration file (cfw-setting.yaml).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-24205 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Clash for Windows version 0.20.12 that stems from improper handling of configuration file updates. This security weakness allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through manipulation of the cfw-setting.yaml configuration file, making it a significant threat to users who rely on this proxy management tool for network traffic routing and filtering.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a path traversal or file overwrite mechanism that permits unauthorized modification of the application's configuration file. When Clash for Windows processes the cfw-setting.yaml file, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input data, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious content that gets executed with the privileges of the running application. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, both of which are commonly exploited in privilege escalation scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to victim systems, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. Given that Clash for Windows is designed to manage network traffic and proxy configurations, successful exploitation could allow attackers to redirect traffic, intercept communications, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects users who have the application installed and running, particularly those who might be exposed to untrusted configuration data through network shares, web interfaces, or other attack vectors that could deliver malicious configuration files.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence. The attack chain typically involves initial access through delivery of malicious configuration files followed by execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Organizations using Clash for Windows should implement immediate mitigations including disabling automatic configuration updates, restricting file system permissions for configuration files, and monitoring for unauthorized file modifications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure configuration management practices, which are fundamental to preventing similar issues in network security tools that handle user-provided data.
Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to systems running Clash for Windows, deploying endpoint protection solutions with behavior monitoring capabilities, and conducting regular security assessments of proxy and network management tools. Organizations should also consider implementing configuration management systems that enforce integrity checks on critical configuration files and establish automated alerting for any unauthorized modifications to sensitive application files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even legitimate network security tools can contain critical flaws that require continuous monitoring and patch management to maintain operational security.