HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-2087
HIGHPOC

CVE-2016-2087

CWE-22Published: January 18, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

7.4
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Directory traversal vulnerability in the client in HexChat 2.11.0 allows remote IRC servers to read or modify arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the server name.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-2087 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), with a CVSS base score of 7.4.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2016-2087. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityHigh
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

Affected Vendors & Products

hexchat_project1 product(s)
hexchat
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

ADVISORYhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136564/Hexchat-IRC-Client-2.11.0-Directory-Traversal.html
ADVISORYhttps://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39656/
ADVISORYhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136564/Hexchat-IRC-Client-2.11.0-Directory-Traversal.html
ADVISORYhttps://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39656/

All References (6)

→
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136564/Hexchat-IRC-Client-2.11.0-Directory-Traversal.htmlExploit · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95881
→
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39656/Exploit · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136564/Hexchat-IRC-Client-2.11.0-Directory-Traversal.htmlExploit · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95881
→
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39656/Exploit · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2016-2087
CVSS Score7.4 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-22
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 18, 2017

Related CVEs (CWE-22)

CVE-2015-0779
10.0
CVE-2008-6833
10.0
CVE-2011-2653
10.0
CVE-2025-52562
10.0
CVE-2014-3914
10.0
CVE-2008-6834
10.0

Recommended Actions

  • →Apply vendor patches immediately
  • →Monitor CVE-2016-2087 in threat intel feeds
  • →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.
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