CVE-2008-3971
CVE-2008-3971 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Gmanedit2 Gmanedit with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.
Key facts
- Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 6% (92nd percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-119
- Affected product: Gmanedit2 Gmanedit
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in the open_man_file function in callbacks.c in gmanedit 0.4.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted man page, which is not properly handled during utf8 conversion. NOTE: another overflow was reported using a configuration file, but that vector does not have a scenario that crosses privilege boundaries.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2008-3971?
- Heap-based buffer overflow in the open_man_file function in callbacks.c in gmanedit 0.4.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted man page, which is not properly handled during utf8 conversion. NOTE: another overflow was reported using a configuration file, but that vector does not have a scenario that crosses privilege boundaries.
- How severe is CVE-2008-3971?
- CVE-2008-3971 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
- Is CVE-2008-3971 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 6% (92nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2008-3971?
- CVE-2008-3971 affects Gmanedit2 Gmanedit. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2008-3971?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2008-3971 published?
- CVE-2008-3971 was published on 2008-09-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.
References
- http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=497835
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/09/06/2
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/09/09/13
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/09/09/19
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/31040
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/44962
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/44963
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:gmanedit2:gmanedit:0.4.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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