CVE-2001-1178: Buffer overflow in xman allows local users to gain privileges via a long MANPATH environment variable.

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2001-1178 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting x11r6. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in xman allows local users to gain privileges via a long MANPATH 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	0.8% (top 44%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-07-11
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xfree86 project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-07-11 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xfree86 project x11r6 DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.3.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.3.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy x11r6 || rpm -q x11r6 || x11r6 --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.3.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison x11r6 sudo apt install x11r6=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.3.2> sudo apt-mark hold x11r6

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

dnf --showduplicates list x11r6 sudo dnf downgrade x11r6-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.3.2> sudo dnf versionlock add x11r6

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: XFree86 X11R6 3.3.2 XMan - ManPath 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-2001-1178?

x11r6: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2001-1178 being exploited?

CVE-2001-1178 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-2001-1178 affect?

CVE-2001-1178 affects x11r6. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in xman allows local users to gain privileges via a long MANPATH environment variable.

How urgent is CVE-2001-1178?

Priority 44/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

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References

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