CVE-2004-0238: Multiple buffer overflows in Overkill (0verkill) 0.15pre3 might allow local users to execute arbitrary code in

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0238 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting 0verkill. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in Overkill (0verkill) 0.15pre3 might allow local users to execute arbitrary code in the client via a long HOME environment variable in the (1) load_cfg and (2) save_cfg functions; possibly allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long strings to (3) the send_message function; and, in the server, via (4) the parse_command_line function.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.2% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-11-23
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: 0verkill

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-11-23 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

0verkill 0verkill DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.16

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.16

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy 0verkill || rpm -q 0verkill || 0verkill --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.16 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison 0verkill sudo apt install 0verkill=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.16> sudo apt-mark hold 0verkill

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list 0verkill sudo dnf downgrade 0verkill-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.16> sudo dnf versionlock add 0verkill

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: 0verkill 0.16 - Game Client Multiple Local Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2004-0238?

0verkill: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-0238 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0238 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2004-0238 affect?

CVE-2004-0238 affects 0verkill. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Multiple buffer overflows in Overkill (0verkill) 0.15pre3 might allow local users to execute arbitrary code in the client via a long HOME environment variable in the (1) load_cfg and (2) save_cfg functions; possibly allow remote attackers t

How urgent is CVE-2004-0238?

Priority 53/100. High severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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