USN-8511-1: socat vulnerabilities

unknownCVE-2026-56123 CVE-2024-54661

It was discovered that socat incorrectly handled the SOCKS5 proxy server reply parser. A remote attacker could possibly use this issue to execute arbitrary code. (CVE-2026-56123) It was discovered that socat incorrectly handled a sample script. A local attacker could possibly use this issue to overwrite arbitrary files. This issue only affected Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. (CVE-2024-54661)

CSIRTS triage

vendor: socat product: socat Remote code executionOtheraffected: only affected Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

What: Improper handling of SOCKS5 proxy server replies could allow arbitrary code execution.
Who is affected: Users of socat on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Urgency: Remediation is urgent due to the potential for arbitrary code execution.
Action: Update socat to the latest version.

AI-assisted analysis generated from the source advisory — verify against the original.

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Details

Source: Ubuntu Security Notices (INTL · vendor-psirt · site)
Severity: unknown
Published: 2026-07-06
Exploitation: Not in CISA KEV at last sync

Original advisory: https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8511-1

Exploitation outlook

EPSS (FIRST.org) estimates each CVE’s probability of exploitation in the next 30 days — here is the CSIRTS.com read on those numbers.

Low exploitation riskCVE-2026-561230.31% 30-day exploitation probability — currently an unlikely target, but scores change as exploit code circulates. Riskier than 23% of all scored CVEs.
Low exploitation riskCVE-2024-546610.80% 30-day exploitation probability — currently an unlikely target, but scores change as exploit code circulates. Riskier than 52% of all scored CVEs.

Referenced CVEs

CVE	CSIRTS overview	External
CVE-2026-56123	coverage & exploitation status	NVD · CVE.org
CVE-2024-54661	coverage & exploitation status	NVD · CVE.org

Same CVEs, other sources

How other CERTs, PSIRTs and databases cover the vulnerabilities in this advisory.