CVE-2020-14931: A stack-based buffer overflow in DMitry (Deepmagic Information Gathering Tool) 1.3a might allow remote WHOIS s

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-14931 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting dmitry. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A stack-based buffer overflow in DMitry (Deepmagic Information Gathering Tool) 1.3a might allow remote WHOIS servers to execute arbitrary code via a long line in a response that is mishandled by nic_format_buff.

Why this priority

Critical severity
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	2.6% (top 15%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2020-06-19
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: dmitry project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-06-19 22:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

dmitry project dmitry DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.3a

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.3a

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.3a (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison dmitry sudo apt install dmitry=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3a> sudo apt-mark hold dmitry

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

dnf --showduplicates list dmitry sudo dnf downgrade dmitry-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3a> sudo dnf versionlock add dmitry

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-2020-14931?

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

Is CVE-2020-14931 being exploited?

CVE-2020-14931 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-2020-14931 affect?

CVE-2020-14931 affects dmitry. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). A stack-based buffer overflow in DMitry (Deepmagic Information Gathering Tool) 1.3a might allow remote WHOIS servers to execute arbitrary code via a long line in a response that is mishandled by nic_format_buff.

How urgent is CVE-2020-14931?

Priority 66/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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