CVE-2023-31438

Name: CVE-2023-31438
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-06-13T17:15:14.707+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 5.3/10EPSS 0.33%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2023-31438 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5.3/10 on the CVSS scale. An issue was discovered in systemd 253. An attacker can truncate a sealed log file and then resume log sealing such that checking the integrity shows no error, despite modifications. EPSS estimates a 0.33% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An issue was discovered in systemd 253. An attacker can truncate a sealed log file and then resume log sealing such that checking the integrity shows no error, despite modifications. NOTE: the vendor reportedly sent "a reply denying that any of the finding was a security vulnerability."

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.3/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.33%

24.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-354

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Systemd Project	Systemd	253

References

https://github.com/kastel-security/JournaldThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/kastel-security/Journald/blob/main/journald-publication.pdfTechnical Description
https://github.com/systemd/systemd/pull/28886
https://github.com/systemd/systemd/releasesRelease Notes
https://github.com/kastel-security/JournaldThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/kastel-security/Journald/blob/main/journald-publication.pdfTechnical Description
https://github.com/systemd/systemd/pull/28886
https://github.com/systemd/systemd/releasesRelease Notes

Timeline

Published: Jun 13, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-31438?

How severe is CVE-2023-31438?

CVE-2023-31438 has a CVSS score of 5.3/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.33% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-31438?

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-2023-31438?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST