#VU24926 Buffer overflow in NetHack - CVE-2020-5214

Vulnerability identifier: #VU24926

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-5214

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
NetHack
Client/Desktop applications / Games

Vendor: The NetHack DevTeam

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error when detecting an unknown configuration file option. A remote attacker can trigger memory corruption, cause a denial of service (DoS) condition or execute arbitrary code on the target system with elevated privileges.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Note: This vulnerability affects systems that have NetHack installed suid/sgid and shared systems that allow users to upload their own configuration files.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

NetHack: 3.6.0 - 3.6.4

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External links
https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/security/advisories/GHSA-p8fw-rq89-xqx6
https://nethack.org/security/CVE-2020-5214.html

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.