CVE-2019-14528: GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a heap-based buffer overflow in read_literal in cobc/scanner.l via crafted COBOL source code.

This month

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2019-14528 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting gnucobol. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a heap-based buffer overflow in read_literal in cobc/scanner.l via crafted COBOL source code.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 38%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2019-08-02
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gnucobol project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-08-02 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:18 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnucobol project gnucobol DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gnucobol sudo apt install gnucobol=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2> sudo apt-mark hold gnucobol

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

dnf --showduplicates list gnucobol sudo dnf downgrade gnucobol-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2> sudo dnf versionlock add gnucobol

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-2019-14528?

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

Is CVE-2019-14528 being exploited?

CVE-2019-14528 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-2019-14528 affect?

CVE-2019-14528 affects gnucobol. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a heap-based buffer overflow in read_literal in cobc/scanner.l via crafted COBOL source code.

How urgent is CVE-2019-14528?

Priority 48/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-16396 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a use-after-free in the end_scope_of_program_name() function in cobc/parser.y via crafted COB
CVE-2019-16395 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a stack-based buffer overflow in the cb_name() function in cobc/tree.c via crafted COBOL sour
CVE-2019-14541 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a stack-based buffer overflow in cb_encode_program_id in cobc/typeck.c via crafted COBOL sour
CVE-2019-14486 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a buffer overflow in cb_evaluate_expr in cobc/field.c via crafted COBOL source code.
CVE-2019-14468 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE GnuCOBOL 2.2 has a buffer overflow in cb_push_op in cobc/field.c via crafted COBOL source code.

References

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