CVE-2016-5228: Stack-based buffer overflow in the PlayMacro function in ObjectXMacro.ObjectXMacro in WdMacCtl.ocx in Micro Fo

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-5228 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting rumba. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the PlayMacro function in ObjectXMacro.ObjectXMacro in WdMacCtl.ocx in Micro Focus Rumba 9.x before 9.3 HF 11997 and 9.4.x before 9.4 HF 12815 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long MacroName argument. NOTE: some references mention CVE-2016-5226 but that is not a correct ID for any Rumba vulnerability.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	15.1% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2016-07-03
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): OpenText · Vendor: microfocus

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-07-03 01:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:49 UTCUpdated Record last modified

microfocus rumba DOWNGRADE

Affected: 9.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.4

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 9.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rumba sudo apt install rumba=<VERSION_BEFORE_9.4> sudo apt-mark hold rumba

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

dnf --showduplicates list rumba sudo dnf downgrade rumba-<VERSION_BEFORE_9.4> sudo dnf versionlock add rumba

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: Micro Focus Rumba 9.3 - ActiveX Stack 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-2016-5228?

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

Is CVE-2016-5228 being exploited?

CVE-2016-5228 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-2016-5228 affect?

CVE-2016-5228 affects rumba. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Stack-based buffer overflow in the PlayMacro function in ObjectXMacro.ObjectXMacro in WdMacCtl.ocx in Micro Focus Rumba 9.x before 9.3 HF 11997 and 9.4.x before 9.4 HF 12815 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Macro

How urgent is CVE-2016-5228?

Priority 68/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2016-9176 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE Stack buffer overflow in the send.exe and receive.exe components of Micro Focus Rumba 9.4 and earlier could be
CVE-2016-1606 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in COM objects in Micro Focus Rumba 9.4.x before 9.4 HF 13960 allow remo
CVE-2005-0979 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Multiple buffer overflows in RUMBA 7.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service and pos

References

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