CVE-2001-0050: Buffer overflow in BitchX IRC client allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute

This week

HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2001-0050 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting bitchx. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in BitchX IRC client allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary commands via an IP address that resolves to a long DNS hostname or domain name.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	14.6% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-02-16
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: colten edwards

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-02-16 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:53 UTCUpdated Record last modified

colten edwards bitchx DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0c17

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0c17

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0c17 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison bitchx sudo apt install bitchx=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0c17> sudo apt-mark hold bitchx

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

dnf --showduplicates list bitchx sudo dnf downgrade bitchx-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0c17> sudo dnf versionlock add bitchx

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: BitchX IRC Client 1.0 c17 - DNS Buffer Overflow

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-2001-0050?

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

Is CVE-2001-0050 being exploited?

CVE-2001-0050 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-2001-0050 affect?

CVE-2001-0050 affects bitchx. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in BitchX IRC client allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary commands via an IP address that resolves to a long DNS hostname or domain name.

How urgent is CVE-2001-0050?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2007-5922 MEDIUM 5.0 MITIGATE DOWNGRADE The modules/mdop.m in the Cypress 1.0k script for BitchX, as downloaded from a distribution site in November 2
CVE-2007-5839 MEDIUM 4.6 DOWNGRADE The e_hostname function in commands.c in BitchX 1.1a allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a sym
CVE-2007-4584 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Stack-based buffer overflow in BitchX 1.1 Final allows remote IRC servers to execute arbitrary code via a long
CVE-2007-3360 HIGH 9.3 DOWNGRADE hook.c in BitchX 1.1-final allows remote IRC servers to execute arbitrary commands by sending a client certain
CVE-2003-1450 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE BitchX 75p3 and 1.0c16 through 1.0c20cvs allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (segmentation fa

References

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