CVE-2022-42948

Name: CVE-2022-42948
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-03-24T14:15:09.927+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 2.71%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2022-42948 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Cobalt Strike 4.7.1 fails to properly escape HTML tags when they are displayed on Swing components. By injecting crafted HTML code, it is possible to remotely execute code in the Cobalt Strike UI.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 2.71% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Cobalt Strike 4.7.1 fails to properly escape HTML tags when they are displayed on Swing components. By injecting crafted HTML code, it is possible to remotely execute code in the Cobalt Strike UI.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.71%

84.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Apr 20, 2023.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Helpsystems	Cobalt Strike	4.7.1

References

https://thesecmaster.com/how-to-fix-cve-2022-42948-a-critical-rce-vulnerability-in-cobalt-strike/Technical Description, Third Party Advisory
https://www.cobaltstrike.com/blog/Vendor Advisory
https://www.redpacketsecurity.com/helpsystems-cobalt-strike-code-execution-cve-2022-42948/Third Party Advisory
https://thesecmaster.com/how-to-fix-cve-2022-42948-a-critical-rce-vulnerability-in-cobalt-strike/Technical Description, Third Party Advisory
https://www.cobaltstrike.com/blog/Vendor Advisory
https://www.redpacketsecurity.com/helpsystems-cobalt-strike-code-execution-cve-2022-42948/Third Party Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-42948US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Mar 24, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-42948?

Cobalt Strike 4.7.1 fails to properly escape HTML tags when they are displayed on Swing components. By injecting crafted HTML code, it is possible to remotely execute code in the Cobalt Strike UI.

How severe is CVE-2022-42948?

CVE-2022-42948 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.71% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2022-42948?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2022-42948?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST