CVE-2008-3252: Stack-based buffer overflow in the read_article function in getarticle.c in newsx 1.6 allows remote attackers

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-3252 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting newsx. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the read_article function in getarticle.c in newsx 1.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a news article containing a large number of lines starting with a period.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	6.7% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2008-07-21
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: fedora

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-07-21 17:41 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

fedora newsx DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.6 8.fc8 · 1.6 9.fc9

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.6

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy newsx || rpm -q newsx || newsx --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison newsx sudo apt install newsx=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6> sudo apt-mark hold newsx

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

dnf --showduplicates list newsx sudo dnf downgrade newsx-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6> sudo dnf versionlock add newsx

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-2008-3252?

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

Is CVE-2008-3252 being exploited?

CVE-2008-3252 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-2008-3252 affect?

CVE-2008-3252 affects newsx. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Stack-based buffer overflow in the read_article function in getarticle.c in newsx 1.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a news article containing a large number of lines starting with a period.

How urgent is CVE-2008-3252?

Priority 58/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-1789 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE Format string vulnerability in newsx NNTP client before 1.4.8 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via

References

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