CVE-2008-3916

What it is

Heap-based buffer overflow in the strip_escapes function in signal.c in GNU ed before 1.0 allows context-dependent or user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename. NOTE: since ed itself does not typically run with special privileges, this issue only crosses privilege boundaries when ed is invoked as a third-party component.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

3.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2008-09-04 00:00 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2008-09-04 18:41 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 2026-06-16 22:56 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 3.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.3 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2008-09-04 18:41 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:56 UTC

Exploit probability

3.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-119 · Buffer errors

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnu Ed 0.2
• Gnu Ed 0.3
• Gnu Ed 0.4
• Gnu Ed 0.5
• Gnu Ed 0.6
• Gnu Ed 0.7
• Gnu Ed 0.8
• Gnu Ed 0.9

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 9.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Complete

Integrity

Complete

Availability

Complete

Is it in your code?

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