CVE-2009-0833: Heap-based buffer overflow in gen_msn.dll in the gen_msn plugin 0.31 for Winamp 5.541 allows remote attackers

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HIGH 9.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2009-0833 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting gen msn. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in gen_msn.dll in the gen_msn plugin 0.31 for Winamp 5.541 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a playlist (.pls) file with a long URL in the File1 field. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	9.3% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2009-03-05
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: myplugins

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-03-05 20:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

myplugins gen msn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.31

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.31

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy gen-msn || rpm -q gen-msn || gen-msn --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.31 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gen-msn sudo apt install gen-msn=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.31> sudo apt-mark hold gen-msn

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

dnf --showduplicates list gen-msn sudo dnf downgrade gen-msn-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.31> sudo dnf versionlock add gen-msn

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: Winamp GEN_MSN Plugin - Heap Buffer Overflow (PoC)

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-2009-0833?

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

Is CVE-2009-0833 being exploited?

CVE-2009-0833 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-2009-0833 affect?

CVE-2009-0833 affects gen msn. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). Heap-based buffer overflow in gen_msn.dll in the gen_msn plugin 0.31 for Winamp 5.541 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a playlist (.pls) file with a long URL in the File1 field. NOTE: some of these details are obtained

How urgent is CVE-2009-0833?

Priority 61/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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