CVE-2004-2016: Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTTP server in NetChat 7.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute a

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-2016 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting subnet chat application. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTTP server in NetChat 7.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long GET request.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.2% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: netchat

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:08 UTCUpdated Record last modified

netchat subnet chat application DOWNGRADE

Affected: 7.0 · 7.1 · 7.2 · 7.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy subnet-chat-application || rpm -q subnet-chat-application || subnet-chat-application --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison subnet-chat-application sudo apt install subnet-chat-application=<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0> sudo apt-mark hold subnet-chat-application

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

dnf --showduplicates list subnet-chat-application sudo dnf downgrade subnet-chat-application-<VERSION_BEFORE_7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add subnet-chat-application

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.

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-2004-2016?

subnet chat application: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-2016 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2016 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-2004-2016 affect?

CVE-2004-2016 affects subnet chat application. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTTP server in NetChat 7.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long GET request.

How urgent is CVE-2004-2016?

Priority 48/100. High severity

References

← Back to latest CVEs