CVE-2001-0855: Buffer overflow in db_loader in ClearCase 4.2 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges via a lon

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2001-0855 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting clearcase. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in db_loader in ClearCase 4.2 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges via a long TERM environment variable.

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	0.9% (top 41%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-12-06
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: rational software

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-12-06 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rational software clearcase DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.2_plus · 4.0 · 4.1 · 4.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.2_plus

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.2_plus (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison clearcase sudo apt install clearcase=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2_plus> sudo apt-mark hold clearcase

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

dnf --showduplicates list clearcase sudo dnf downgrade clearcase-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2_plus> sudo dnf versionlock add clearcase

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: Rational ClearCase 3.2/4.x - DB Loader TERM Environment Variable 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-2001-0855?

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

Is CVE-2001-0855 being exploited?

CVE-2001-0855 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-2001-0855 affect?

CVE-2001-0855 affects clearcase. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in db_loader in ClearCase 4.2 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges via a long TERM environment variable.

How urgent is CVE-2001-0855?

Priority 45/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-1322 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Rational ClearCase 4.1, 2002.05, and possibly other versions allows remote attackers to cause a denial of serv

References

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