CVE-2020-5211
NetHack AUTOCOMPLETE configuration file option is subject to a buffer overflow
Reported by github_m · Published January 28, 2020
In NetHack before 3.6.5, an invalid extended command in value for the AUTOCOMPLETE configuration file option can cause a buffer overflow resulting in a crash or remote code execution/privilege escalation. This vulnerability affects systems that have NetHack installed suid/sgid and shared systems that allow users to upload their own configuration files. Users should upgrade to NetHack 3.6.5.
Fixed versions
Upgrade to a fixed version or later. Language registries are listed first, then Linux distributions, then vendor products.
| Package | Ecosystem | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| nethack | nethack | 3.6.5 |
Risk scores
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| NetHack | NetHack | < 3.6.5 |
| NetHack | NetHack | 0 |
Timeline
- Jan 28, 2020 CVE Published
- Apr 14, 2021 EPSS Score (30 in total, the first dated here)
- Aug 4, 2024 CVE Updated
- Aug 30, 2026 Coalition ESS Score
Query this with the API
The same record, from the CLI:
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