Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in readstring of httpget.c for mpg123 0.59r and 0.59s allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long request.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | mpg123 | 0.59r-15 | — |
| Debian 13 | mpg123 | 0.59r-15 | — |
| Debian 12 | mpg123 | 0.59r-15 | — |
| Debian 3.0 | mpg123 | 0.59r-13woody2 | DSA-435 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- MPG123 0.59 - Remote File Play Heap Corruption EDB-23171 · remote · Sep 23, 2003 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-435 mpg123 - heap overflow Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- DSA-435 vendor-advisory
- CLA-2003:781 vendor-advisory
- 8680 vdb-entry
- 20030930 GLSA: mpg123 (200309-17) mailing-list
- 20030923 mpg123[v0.59r,v0.59s]: remote client-side heap corruption exploit. mailing-list