CVE-2000-0285: Buffer overflow in XFree86 3.3.x allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via a long -xkbmap parameter

This month

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2000-0285 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting x11r6. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in XFree86 3.3.x allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via a long -xkbmap parameter.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 55%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2000-04-16
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xfree86 project

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2000-04-16 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:51 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xfree86 project x11r6 DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.3.6 · 4.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.3.6

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy x11r6 || rpm -q x11r6 || x11r6 --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.3.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison x11r6 sudo apt install x11r6=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.3.6> sudo apt-mark hold x11r6

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list x11r6 sudo dnf downgrade x11r6-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.3.6> sudo dnf versionlock add x11r6

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2000-0285?

x11r6: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2000-0285 being exploited?

CVE-2000-0285 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2000-0285 affect?

CVE-2000-0285 affects x11r6. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in XFree86 3.3.x allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via a long -xkbmap parameter.

How urgent is CVE-2000-0285?

Priority 42/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2007-1351 HIGH 8.5 MITIGATE DOWNGRADE Integer overflow in the bdfReadCharacters function in bdfread.c in (1) X.Org libXfont before 20070403 and (2)
CVE-2006-4447 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE X.Org and XFree86, including libX11, xdm, xf86dga, xinit, xload, xtrans, and xterm, does not check the return
CVE-2006-1526 LOW 2.1 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in the X render (Xrender) extension in X.org X server 6.8.0 up to allows attackers to cause a
CVE-2006-0745 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE X.Org server (xorg-server) 1.0.0 and later, X11R6.9.0, and X11R7.0 inadvertently treats the address of the get
CVE-2005-0605 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE scan.c for LibXPM may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via a negative bitmap_unit value that leads to

References

← Back to latest CVEs