CVE-2005-3120Lynx Vulnerability
Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTrjis function in Lynx 2.8.6 and earlier allows remote NNTP servers to execute arbitrary code via certain article headers containing Asian characters that cause Lynx to add extra escape (ESC) characters.
Published Oct 17, 2005 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2005-3120, DSA-1085-1, DSA-874-1, DSA-876-1
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2005-3120 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Lynx (Invisible-Island), Debian Linux, lynx-cur (debian).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 23% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Lynx 2.8.6, Lynx 0:2.8.5-11.1, Lynx 2.8.4.1b-3.2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
23%
Higher than 97.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
43/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2005-3120
- advisoryRHSA-2005:803
- advisory1015065
- advisoryhttp://support.avaya.com/elmodocs2/security/ASA-2006-010.htm
- advisoryDSA-874
- advisoryDSA-876
Description
Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTrjis function in Lynx 2.8.6 and earlier allows remote NNTP servers to execute arbitrary code via certain article headers containing Asian characters that cause Lynx to add extra escape (ESC) characters.
Affected Products
16 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| LynxInvisible-Island | See advisory | 2.8.6 |
| Debian LinuxDebian | 3.0, 3.1 | n/a |
| lynx-curdebian | See advisory | 2.8.5-2.5woody1 |
Patched Releases
Lynx
2.8.6, 0:2.8.5-11.1, 2.8.4.1b-3.2, 2.8.4.1b-3.3, 2.8.5-2sarge1
lynx-cur
2.8.5-2.5woody1, 2.8.6-9sarge1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 17, 2005
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-131 Incorrect Calculation of Buffer Size
References
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2005-3120
- advisoryRHSA-2005:803
- advisory1015065
- advisorysupport.avaya.com · ASA-2006-010.htm
- advisoryDSA-874
FAQ
Common Questions.
Stack-based buffer overflow in the HTrjis function in Lynx 2.8.6 and earlier allows remote NNTP servers to execute arbitrary code via certain article headers containing Asian characters that cause Lynx to add extra escape (ESC) characters.
Affected: Lynx (Invisible-Island); Debian Linux versions 3.0, 3.1; lynx-cur (debian). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Lynx 2.8.6, Lynx 0:2.8.5-11.1, Lynx 2.8.4.1b-3.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2005-3120 On Your Attack Surface?
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