Stack Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in TRN by SourceForge
CVE-2016-20042

8.6HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Trn

Status
Threaded Usenet News Reader
Vendor
CVE Published:
28 March 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2016-20042?

The TRN version 3.6-23 is susceptible to a stack buffer overflow vulnerability. A local attacker can exploit this flaw by providing an oversized command-line argument to the application. Specifically, by crafting a malicious argument that includes 156 bytes of padding followed by a strategically placed return address, the attacker can overwrite the instruction pointer. This enables the execution of shellcode with the same privileges as the user running the application, thereby compromising system integrity.

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Affected Version(s)

Threaded USENET News Reader 3.6-23

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2016-20042 - Proof of Concept

References

https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39764
exploit
https://sourceforge.net/projects/trn/
product
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/trn-23-stack-buffer-...
third-party-advisory

CVSS V4

Score:
8.6
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Juan Sacco - http://www.exploitpack.com - jsacco@exploitpack.com
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