CVE-2016-2233Hexchat Memory Corruption
Stack-based buffer overflow in the inbound_cap_ls function in common/inbound.c in HexChat 2.10.2 allows remote IRC servers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a large number of options in a CAP LS message.
Published Jan 18, 2017 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2016-2233, UBUNTU-CVE-2016-2233
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-2233 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Hexchat (Hexchat Project), xchat-gnome (ubuntu).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 34% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Hexchat 2.12.0-1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
7.5
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
34%
Higher than 98.3% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
48/100
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
3
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
Stack-based buffer overflow in the inbound_cap_ls function in common/inbound.c in HexChat 2.10.2 allows remote IRC servers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a large number of options in a CAP LS message.
Affected Products
12 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| HexchatHexchat Project | 2.10.2 | 2.12.0-1 |
| xchat-gnomeubuntu | See advisory | n/a |
Patched Releases
Hexchat
2.12.0-1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 18, 2017
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
References
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2016-2233
- advisoryubuntu.com · CVE-2016-2233
- advisorycve.org · CVERecord
- exploitpacketstormsecurity.com · Hexchat-IRC-Client-2.11.0-CAP-LS-Handling-Buffe…
- exploitExploitDB-39657
FAQ
Common Questions.
Stack-based buffer overflow in the inbound_cap_ls function in common/inbound.c in HexChat 2.10.2 allows remote IRC servers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a large number of options in a CAP LS message.
Affected: Hexchat (Hexchat Project) versions 2.10.2; xchat-gnome (ubuntu). 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 Hexchat 2.12.0-1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2016-2233 On Your Attack Surface?
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