CVE-2008-4690

CVE-2008-4690 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Lynx with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

lynx 2.8.6dev.15 and earlier, when advanced mode is enabled and lynx is configured as a URL handler, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted lynxcgi: URL, a related issue to CVE-2005-2929. NOTE: this might only be a vulnerability in limited deployments that have defined a lynxcgi: handler.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-4690?
lynx 2.8.6dev.15 and earlier, when advanced mode is enabled and lynx is configured as a URL handler, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a crafted lynxcgi: URL, a related issue to CVE-2005-2929. NOTE: this might only be a vulnerability in limited deployments that have defined a lynxcgi: handler.
How severe is CVE-2008-4690?
CVE-2008-4690 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2008-4690 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-4690?
CVE-2008-4690 primarily affects Lynx. In total, 176 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-4690?
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-2008-4690 published?
CVE-2008-4690 was published on 2008-10-22 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (176)

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