CVE-2026-121969
Description
A flaw was found in netrek-client-cow. A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the handleSMessage function allows a Denial of Service (DoS). A malicious server or a network attacker on an unencrypted connection can exploit this flaw by sending oversized or improperly terminated message packets. This corrupts stack memory and crashes the client application.
Statement
This vulnerability is classified as Moderate rather than Important because exploitation requires user interaction to connect to an untrusted server or an adversary in a position to intercept plaintext traffic, with the impact confined to application termination. Furthermore, netrek-client-cow is not shipped or supported in any Red Hat enterprise offerings, leaving default environments unaffected.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Buffer overflows often can be used to execute arbitrary code, which is usually outside the scope of the product's implicit security policy. This can often be used to subvert any other security service.
Availability
Technical Impact: Modify Memory; DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart; DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU)
Buffer overflows generally lead to crashes. Other attacks leading to lack of availability are possible, including putting the product into an infinite loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
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