CVE-2001-1077: Buffer overflow in tt_printf function of rxvt 2.6.2 allows local users to gain privileges via a long (1) -T or

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2001-1077 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting rxvt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in tt_printf function of rxvt 2.6.2 allows local users to gain privileges via a long (1) -T or (2) -name argument.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 35%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-06-15
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: rxvt

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-06-15 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rxvt rxvt DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.6.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.6.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.6.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rxvt sudo apt install rxvt=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.2> sudo apt-mark hold rxvt

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

dnf --showduplicates list rxvt sudo dnf downgrade rxvt-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.2> sudo dnf versionlock add rxvt

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: Rxvt 2.6.1/2.6.2 - Local 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-2001-1077?

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

Is CVE-2001-1077 being exploited?

CVE-2001-1077 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-2001-1077 affect?

CVE-2001-1077 affects rxvt. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Buffer overflow in tt_printf function of rxvt 2.6.2 allows local users to gain privileges via a long (1) -T or (2) -name argument.

How urgent is CVE-2001-1077?

Priority 37/100. Public exploit reference

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References

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