CVE-2009-20003 Xenorate <= 2.50 .xpl File Stack-Based Buffer Overflow
A stack-based buffer overflow in Xenorate allows arbitrary code execution via a malicious .xpl playlist file, requiring user interaction to open the file.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2009-20003?
CVE-2009-20003 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Xenorate, published on 21 Aug 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
Xenorate versions up to and including 2.50, a Windows-based multimedia player, is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow when processing .xpl playlist files. The application fails to properly validate the length of input data, allowing an attacker to craft a malicious .xpl file that overwrites the Structured Exception Handler (SEH) and enables arbitrary code execution. Exploitation requires local interaction, typically by convincing a user to open the crafted file.
Weakness: CWE-121
Which versions are affected by CVE-2009-20003?
How do I fix CVE-2009-20003?
No fix has been published for CVE-2009-20003 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2009-20003 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2009-20003 exists.
Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-fv4j-37m7-xgrg.