Local code execution via oversized gamma argument
Published Mar 28, 2026 · Updated Mar 28, 2026
Stack-based buffer overflow in gamma argument handling in MAMEdev MESS 0.154-3.1 allows local users to crash it or execute arbitrary code. The gamma option handler accepts an oversized command-line value and writes beyond its stack buffer until controlled bytes replace the instruction pointer. Exploitation requires the ability to launch the local emulator with a crafted argument; successful control-flow hijacking runs code with the invoking user's privileges, while an unsuccessful attempt crashes the process.
Summary
What happened
Stack-based buffer overflow in gamma argument handling in MAMEdev MESS 0.154-3.1 allows local users to crash it or execute arbitrary code. The gamma option handler accepts an oversized command-line value and writes beyond its stack buffer until controlled bytes replace the instruction pointer. Exploitation requires the ability to launch the local emulator with a crafted argument; successful control-flow hijacking runs code with the invoking user's privileges, while an unsuccessful attempt crashes the process.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2016-20039
- Published
- Mar 28, 2026
- Updated
- Mar 28, 2026
- Vendor
- MAMEdev
- Product
- MESS
- Classifications
- CWE-787, T1203
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Mar 28, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Mar 28, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
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- Affected versionversion=0.154-3.1
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Public exploit references
- Mess Emulator 0.154-3.1 - Local Buffer Overflowfunctional · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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