CVE-2023-46316 in Traceroute
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
In buc Traceroute 2.0.12 through 2.1.2 before 2.1.3, the wrapper scripts do not properly parse command lines.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46316 affects the buc Traceroute software version 2.0.12 through 2.1.2 prior to 2.1.3, representing a command line argument parsing flaw that could enable malicious actors to manipulate the execution flow of the application. This issue resides within the wrapper scripts that are responsible for handling user inputs and translating them into appropriate system commands. The flaw manifests when the application processes command line arguments, potentially allowing for unexpected behavior or security implications due to improper input handling. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient validation or sanitization of user-provided data before it is processed by the application's core logic.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and command injection risks, which aligns with CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation and CWE-77 - Command Injection. The wrapper scripts in question likely execute system commands based on user-provided arguments without adequate sanitization or parsing mechanisms. This allows attackers to potentially inject malicious commands or parameters that could alter the intended execution path of the traceroute utility. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because traceroute applications are commonly used for network diagnostics and security assessments, making them attractive targets for exploitation. The issue specifically impacts the wrapper scripts rather than the core traceroute functionality, suggesting that the underlying network tracing capabilities remain intact while the interface layer becomes compromised.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-46316 extends beyond simple command line manipulation, potentially enabling privilege escalation scenarios or unauthorized system access depending on how the wrapper scripts are implemented and what privileges the application runs with. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, especially if the application operates with elevated permissions or has access to sensitive network resources. The vulnerability creates a potential attack surface that could be leveraged in conjunction with other security weaknesses within the system, making it a critical concern for network administrators and security teams. This flaw could also be exploited in automated attack scenarios where attackers target multiple systems running vulnerable versions of the buc Traceroute software, potentially leading to widespread compromise or network reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46316 should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.1.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the command line parsing issues. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as restricting execution permissions on the affected wrapper scripts, monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, and conducting thorough security audits of all network diagnostic tools. The fix typically involves implementing proper input validation, using secure parsing functions, and ensuring that command line arguments are sanitized before being passed to system execution functions. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege when running network diagnostic tools can significantly reduce the potential damage from such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patched version functions correctly without introducing regressions in the traceroute functionality.