CVE-2001-0890: Certain backend drivers in the SANE library 1.0.3 and earlier, as used in frontend software such as XSane, all

Routine

LOW 2.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2001-0890 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting sane. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Certain backend drivers in the SANE library 1.0.3 and earlier, as used in frontend software such as XSane, allows local users to modify files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 68%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-12-11
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: sane

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-12-11 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

sane sane DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.0 · 1.0.1 · 1.0.2 · 1.0.3 · 1.0.4 · 1.0.5 · 1.0.6

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison sane sudo apt install sane=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold sane

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

dnf --showduplicates list sane sudo dnf downgrade sane-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add sane

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-2001-0890?

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

Is CVE-2001-0890 being exploited?

CVE-2001-0890 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-2001-0890 affect?

CVE-2001-0890 affects sane. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). Certain backend drivers in the SANE library 1.0.3 and earlier, as used in frontend software such as XSane, allows local users to modify files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

How urgent is CVE-2001-0890?

Priority 15/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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