CVE-2001-0873: uuxqt in Taylor UUCP package does not properly remove dangerous long options, which allows local users to gain

This month

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2001-0873 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting taylor uucp. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

uuxqt in Taylor UUCP package does not properly remove dangerous long options, which allows local users to gain privileges by calling uux and specifying an alternate configuration file with the --config option.

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	1.1% (top 35%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-12-21
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ian lance taylor

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

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

ian lance taylor taylor uucp DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.6

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.6

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy taylor-uucp || rpm -q taylor-uucp || taylor-uucp --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison taylor-uucp sudo apt install taylor-uucp=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.6> sudo apt-mark hold taylor-uucp

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

dnf --showduplicates list taylor-uucp sudo dnf downgrade taylor-uucp-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.6> sudo dnf versionlock add taylor-uucp

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: Taylor UUCP 1.0.6 - Argument Handling Privilege Escalation

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-2001-0873?

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

Is CVE-2001-0873 being exploited?

CVE-2001-0873 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-2001-0873 affect?

CVE-2001-0873 affects taylor uucp. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). uuxqt in Taylor UUCP package does not properly remove dangerous long options, which allows local users to gain privileges by calling uux and specifying an alternate configuration file with the --config option.

How urgent is CVE-2001-0873?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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