How severe is CVE-2023-40050?

CVE-2023-40050 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.9, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-40050 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (64th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-40050?

CVE-2023-40050 affects Chef Automate. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-40050?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-40050 published?

CVE-2023-40050 was published on 2023-10-31 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-40050

CVE-2023-40050 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Chef Automate with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.9. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-94.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.9)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (64th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-94
Affected product: Chef Automate
Published: 2023-10-31
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Upload profile either through API or user interface in Chef Automate prior to and including version 4.10.29 using InSpec check command with maliciously crafted profile allows remote code execution.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-40050?: Upload profile either through API or user interface in Chef Automate prior to and including version 4.10.29 using InSpec check command with maliciously crafted profile allows remote code execution.
How severe is CVE-2023-40050?: CVE-2023-40050 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.9, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-40050 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (64th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-40050?: CVE-2023-40050 affects Chef Automate. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-40050?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-40050 published?: CVE-2023-40050 was published on 2023-10-31 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:chef:automate:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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