CVE-2003-0056: Buffer overflow in secure locate (slocate) before 2.7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0056 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting slocate. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in secure locate (slocate) before 2.7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) -c or (2) -r command line argument.

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	1.1% (top 35%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-02-19
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: slocate

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

slocate slocate DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.5 · 2.6

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison slocate sudo apt install slocate=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5> sudo apt-mark hold slocate

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

dnf --showduplicates list slocate sudo dnf downgrade slocate-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5> sudo dnf versionlock add slocate

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: slocate 2.5/2.6 - Local Buffer Overrun

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-2003-0056?

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

Is CVE-2003-0056 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0056 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-2003-0056 affect?

CVE-2003-0056 affects slocate. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in secure locate (slocate) before 2.7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) -c or (2) -r command line argument.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0056?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2007-0227 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE slocate 3.1 does not properly manage database entries that specify names of files in protected directories, wh
CVE-2003-0848 MEDIUM 4.6 DOWNGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in main.c of slocate 2.6, and possibly other versions, may allow local users to gai
CVE-2003-0326 MEDIUM 4.6 MITIGATE Integer overflow in parse_decode_path() of slocate may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via a LOCATE_

References

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