CVE-2003-0024: The menuBar feature in aterm 0.42 allows attackers to modify menu options and execute arbitrary commands via a

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0024 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting aterm. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The menuBar feature in aterm 0.42 allows attackers to modify menu options and execute arbitrary commands via a certain character escape sequence that inserts the commands into the menu.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.8% (top 21%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-03-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: aterm

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-03-03 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

aterm aterm DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.42

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.42

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.42 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison aterm sudo apt install aterm=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.42> sudo apt-mark hold aterm

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

dnf --showduplicates list aterm sudo dnf downgrade aterm-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.42> sudo dnf versionlock add aterm

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-2003-0024?

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

Is CVE-2003-0024 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0024 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-2003-0024 affect?

CVE-2003-0024 affects aterm. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The menuBar feature in aterm 0.42 allows attackers to modify menu options and execute arbitrary commands via a certain character escape sequence that inserts the commands into the menu.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0024?

Priority 46/100. High severity

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References

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