CVE-2016-9179: lynx: It was found that Lynx doesn't parse the authority component of the URL correctly when the host name par

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEMITIGATE

CVE-2016-9179 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting lynx. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

lynx: It was found that Lynx doesn't parse the authority component of the URL correctly when the host name part ends with '?', and could instead be tricked into connecting to a different host.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2016-12-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: lynx

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-12-22 21:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lynx lynx MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

No fixed or unaffected release known

Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.

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-2016-9179?

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

Is CVE-2016-9179 being exploited?

CVE-2016-9179 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-2016-9179 affect?

CVE-2016-9179 affects lynx. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). lynx: It was found that Lynx doesn't parse the authority component of the URL correctly when the host name part ends with '?', and could instead be tricked into connecting to a different host.

How urgent is CVE-2016-9179?

Priority 51/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-38165 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE MITIGATE Lynx through 2.8.9 mishandles the userinfo subcomponent of a URI, which allows remote attackers to discover cl
CVE-2017-1000211 MEDIUM 5.3 DOWNGRADE Lynx before 2.8.9dev.16 is vulnerable to a use after free in the HTML parser resulting in memory disclosure, b
CVE-2014-5002 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE The lynx gem before 1.0.0 for Ruby places the configured password on command lines, which allows local users t
CVE-2012-5821 MEDIUM 5.9 MITIGATE MITIGATE Lynx does not verify that the server's certificate is signed by a trusted certification authority, which allow

References

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