CVE-2016-20043 in RSS Reader
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2026
NRSS RSS Reader 0.3.9-1 contains a stack buffer overflow vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying an oversized argument to the -F parameter. Attackers can craft a malicious input with 256 bytes of padding followed by a controlled EIP value to overwrite the return address and achieve code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-20043 affects the NRSS RSS Reader version 0.3.9-1, representing a critical stack buffer overflow flaw that exposes the application to local privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the command-line argument processing mechanism, specifically when handling the -F parameter. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly bounds-check the input supplied to this parameter, allowing an attacker to exceed the allocated stack buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory regions including the return address stored on the stack. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as one of the most prevalent attack vectors in software security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious input string that precisely maps to the stack layout of the vulnerable application. The attack vector involves supplying an argument to the -F parameter that consists of 256 bytes of padding followed by a controlled EIP (Extended Instruction Pointer) value that overwrites the return address on the stack. When the vulnerable function returns to the overwritten address, execution transfers to the attacker-controlled code location, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running process. This technique aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation tactics, specifically leveraging the T1068 privilege escalation technique through local exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running the affected NRSS RSS Reader application. Since the vulnerability requires only local access to exploit, it can be leveraged by malicious users with existing system credentials or by attackers who have gained initial access through other means. The privilege escalation potential means that even if an attacker initially has limited system access, they can potentially elevate their privileges to gain administrative or root-level access. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the RSS reader application runs with elevated privileges or where users have the ability to execute local commands, as it creates a direct path for attackers to compromise the entire system. The exploitability is relatively straightforward, requiring only knowledge of the stack layout and basic understanding of buffer overflow exploitation techniques, making it accessible to attackers with moderate skill levels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-20043 should focus on immediate patching of the affected application to version 0.3.9-2 or later, which includes proper input validation and bounds checking for command-line parameters. System administrators should implement strict input validation measures at the application level, including length restrictions and character set validation for all command-line arguments. Additional defensive measures include running the application with reduced privileges, implementing stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, and employing address space layout randomization to complicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit local access to systems running vulnerable applications. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious command-line argument patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly those involving large input strings or unusual parameter combinations that could be indicative of buffer overflow attacks.