CVE-2003-0046: AbsoluteTelnet SSH2 client does not clear logon credentials from memory, including plaintext passwords, which

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0046 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting absolutetelnet. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

AbsoluteTelnet SSH2 client does not clear logon credentials from memory, including plaintext passwords, which could allow attackers with access to memory to steal the SSH credentials.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 70%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-02-19
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: celestial software

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-02-19 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

celestial software absolutetelnet DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.11

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.11

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.11 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison absolutetelnet sudo apt install absolutetelnet=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.11> sudo apt-mark hold absolutetelnet

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

dnf --showduplicates list absolutetelnet sudo dnf downgrade absolutetelnet-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.11> sudo dnf versionlock add absolutetelnet

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-2003-0046?

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

Is CVE-2003-0046 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0046 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-2003-0046 affect?

CVE-2003-0046 affects absolutetelnet. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). AbsoluteTelnet SSH2 client does not clear logon credentials from memory, including plaintext passwords, which could allow attackers with access to memory to steal the SSH credentials.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0046?

Priority 23/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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