CVE-2001-1561: Buffer overflow in Xvt 2.1 in Debian Linux 2.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via long (1) -name

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HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2001-1561 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting xvt, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Xvt 2.1 in Debian Linux 2.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via long (1) -name and (2) -T arguments.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.2% (top 32%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · john bovey

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

john bovey xvt DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xvt sudo apt install xvt=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1> sudo apt-mark hold xvt

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

dnf --showduplicates list xvt sudo dnf downgrade xvt-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1> sudo dnf versionlock add xvt

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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 2.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.2

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.

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: Xvt 2.1 - 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-2001-1561?

xvt: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2001-1561 being exploited?

CVE-2001-1561 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-2001-1561 affect?

CVE-2001-1561 affects xvt, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in Xvt 2.1 in Debian Linux 2.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via long (1) -name and (2) -T arguments.

How urgent is CVE-2001-1561?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

References

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