How severe is CVE-2020-5253?

CVE-2020-5253 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 3.9, rated low severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability none.

Is CVE-2020-5253 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (42nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-5253?

CVE-2020-5253 affects Nethack. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-5253?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2020-5253 published?

CVE-2020-5253 was published on 2020-03-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-5253

CVE-2020-5253 is a low-severity vulnerability in Nethack with a CVSS 3.x base score of 3.9. 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-269.

Key facts

Severity: Low (CVSS 3.x base score 3.9)
CVSS v2: 7.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (42nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Nethack
Published: 2020-03-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

NetHack before version 3.6.0 allowed malicious use of escaping of characters in the configuration file (usually .nethackrc) which could be exploited. This bug is patched in NetHack 3.6.0.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-5253?: NetHack before version 3.6.0 allowed malicious use of escaping of characters in the configuration file (usually .nethackrc) which could be exploited. This bug is patched in NetHack 3.6.0.
How severe is CVE-2020-5253?: CVE-2020-5253 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 3.9, rated low severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability none.
Is CVE-2020-5253 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (42nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-5253?: CVE-2020-5253 affects Nethack. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-5253?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2020-5253 published?: CVE-2020-5253 was published on 2020-03-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:nethack:nethack:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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