How severe is CVE-2016-7044?

CVE-2016-7044 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-7044 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-2016-7044?

CVE-2016-7044 primarily affects Irssi. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-7044?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2016-7044 published?

CVE-2016-7044 was published on 2016-09-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-7044

CVE-2016-7044 is a high-severity vulnerability in Irssi with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (91st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-119
Affected product: Irssi
Published: 2016-09-27
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The unformat_24bit_color function in the format parsing code in Irssi before 0.8.20, when compiled with true-color enabled, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap corruption and crash) via an incomplete 24bit color code.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-7044?: The unformat_24bit_color function in the format parsing code in Irssi before 0.8.20, when compiled with true-color enabled, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap corruption and crash) via an incomplete 24bit color code.
How severe is CVE-2016-7044?: CVE-2016-7044 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-7044 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-2016-7044?: CVE-2016-7044 primarily affects Irssi. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-7044?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2016-7044 published?: CVE-2016-7044 was published on 2016-09-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:irssi:irssi:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:16.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*

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