CVE-2001-1203: Format string vulnerability in gpm-root in gpm 1.17.8 through 1.17.18 allows local users to gain root privileg

Routine

HIGH 7.2MITIGATE

CVE-2001-1203 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting gpm. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in gpm-root in gpm 1.17.8 through 1.17.18 allows local users to gain root privileges.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-12-27
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: alessandro rubini

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-12-27 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

alessandro rubini gpm MITIGATE

Affected: 1.17.8 · 1.17.18

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.17.8

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2001-1203?

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

Is CVE-2001-1203 being exploited?

CVE-2001-1203 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-2001-1203 affect?

CVE-2001-1203 affects gpm. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Format string vulnerability in gpm-root in gpm 1.17.8 through 1.17.18 allows local users to gain root privileges.

How urgent is CVE-2001-1203?

Priority 32/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2000-0229 HIGH 7.2 MITIGATE MITIGATE gpm-root in the gpm package does not properly drop privileges, which allows local users to gain privileges by

References

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