CVE-2023-46301 in iTerm2
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
iTerm2 before 3.4.20 allow (potentially remote) code execution because of mishandling of certain escape sequences related to upload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46301 affects iTerm2 versions prior to 3.4.20 and represents a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper handling of specific escape sequences during file upload operations. This vulnerability resides within the terminal emulator's processing of escape sequences that are typically used for terminal control and formatting, but in this case becomes a vector for malicious code execution. The flaw occurs when iTerm2 encounters certain escape sequences that are designed to facilitate file transfers or uploads, but fails to properly validate or sanitize these sequences before processing them.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper parsing and execution of escape sequences that are part of the terminal's control protocol. When a user connects to a remote system or opens a terminal session that contains specially crafted escape sequences, the iTerm2 application processes these sequences without adequate validation, potentially executing arbitrary code on the local system. This issue specifically relates to how the application handles escape sequences that are intended for file upload operations, where malicious actors can craft sequences that bypass normal security checks and execute commands directly on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely, meaning that an attacker can exploit it without requiring physical access to the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across various deployment scenarios. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of iTerm2, potentially gaining full control over the affected machines. The vulnerability affects both local and remote terminal sessions, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on terminal emulators for system administration, development work, or remote access operations. Security professionals have noted that this vulnerability could be exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments. The risk is amplified because terminal emulators are frequently used in development environments and system administration tasks, making them prime targets for attackers seeking persistent access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46301 focus primarily on updating to the patched version of iTerm2, specifically version 3.4.20 or later, which addresses the improper handling of escape sequences through enhanced input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without user interaction. Additional protective measures include configuring network firewalls to restrict access to terminal services, implementing strict terminal session monitoring, and establishing robust input validation policies for all terminal-based applications. Security teams should also consider deploying network intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious escape sequence patterns and alert administrators to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-170, which addresses improper handling of input sequences, and represents a significant concern from an ATT&CK perspective under the T1059 technique category for execution through command and scripting interpreters. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of iTerm2 and implement layered security controls to minimize the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation.