CVE-2020-5210

Name: CVE-2020-5210
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-01-28T18:15:11.23+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.80%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-5210 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. In NetHack before 3.6.5, an invalid argument to the -w command line option can cause a buffer overflow resulting in a crash or remote code execution/privilege escalation. This vulnerability affects systems that have NetHack installed suid/sgid and shared systems that allow users to influence command line options. EPSS estimates a 0.80% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

In NetHack before 3.6.5, an invalid argument to the -w command line option can cause a buffer overflow resulting in a crash or remote code execution/privilege escalation. This vulnerability affects systems that have NetHack installed suid/sgid and shared systems that allow users to influence command line options. Users should upgrade to NetHack 3.6.5.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.80%

52.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Nethack	Nethack	< 3.6.5

References

Timeline

Published: Jan 28, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-5210?

How severe is CVE-2020-5210?

CVE-2020-5210 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.80% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-5210?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-5210?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST