CVE-2026-121968
Netrek-client-cow through 3.3.3 Out-of-Bounds Read via SP_S_MESSAGE Packets
Netrek-client-cow through 3.3.3 contains an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in short.c handleSMessage() that allows malicious servers to crash clients via an unchecked m_recpt index. Attackers controlling a Netrek server or intercepting the plaintext TCP connection can send SP_S_MESSAGE packets with m_recpt of 36 or more, reading past players[] and shipnos to deny service.
Fixes and workarounds
Fix
The reporting source identifies this reference as a patch. Check the advisory for affected versions and supported release branches.
Source: CNA: VulnCheckAffected products and versions
| Product | Versions | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| netrek-client-cow quozl |
≥ 0; ≤ 3.3.3 (affected, custom)
Other versions: unaffected |
CNA: VulnCheck |
Version ranges are source assertions. Check the vendor advisory and your installed configuration before determining exposure.
CVSS assessments
| Version / score | Vector | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 / 7.1 high |
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N | CNA: VulnCheck |
| 3.1 / 6.5 medium |
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H | CNA: VulnCheck |
Exploit evidence
No exploit evidence in collected sources. This is not proof of no exploitation.
References
- https://github.com/quozl/netrek-client-cow/commit/fb322e74abee3b0b76a9c5a31df6aab5585d3127CNA: VulnCheck · patch
- https://github.com/quozl/netrek-client-cowCNA: VulnCheck · product
- https://github.com/quozl/netrek-client-cow/blob/3.3.3/short.c#L942-L943CNA: VulnCheck · technical-description
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/netrek-client-cow-through-3.3.3-out-of-bounds-read-via-sp-s-message-packetsCNA: VulnCheck · third-party-advisory
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