CVE-2016-20048 iSelect 1.4.0-2+b1 Local Buffer Overflow via key parameter
Local attackers can execute arbitrary code by exploiting a stack buffer overflow in the iSelect utility via the key parameter.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2016-20048?
CVE-2016-20048 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in iSelect, published on 28 Mar 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
iSelect 1.4.0-2+b1 contains a local buffer overflow vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying an oversized value to the -k/--key parameter. Attackers can craft a malicious argument containing a NOP sled, shellcode, and return address to overflow a 1024-byte stack buffer and gain code execution with user privileges.
Weakness: CWE-22
Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-20048?
How do I fix CVE-2016-20048?
No fix has been published for CVE-2016-20048 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-2016-20048 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2016-20048 exists.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-2fgr-mc24-75x3, UBUNTU-CVE-2016-20048.