PatchTheCVECVE-2005-3120: Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTrjis function in Lynx 2.8.6 and earlier allows remote NNTP servers to exe
CVE-2005-3120 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting lynx, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTrjis function in Lynx 2.8.6 and earlier allows remote NNTP servers to execute arbitrary code via certain article headers containing Asian characters that cause Lynx to add extra escape (ESC) characters.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 23.3% (top 2%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-131 |
| Published | 2005-10-17 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-16 |
Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- Write-up: oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A9257
- Exploit-DB: Lynx 2.8.6dev.13 - Remote Buffer Overflow (PoC)
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-2005-3120?
lynx: upgrade to newer than 2.8.6; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2005-3120 being exploited?
CVE-2005-3120 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-2005-3120 affect?
CVE-2005-3120 affects lynx, debian linux. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTrjis function in Lynx 2.8.6 and earlier allows remote NNTP servers to execute arbitrary code via certain article headers containing Asian characters that cause Lynx to add extra escape (ESC) characters.
How urgent is CVE-2005-3120?
Priority 74/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist
Software pages
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