CVE-2003-0063: The xterm terminal emulator in XFree86 4.2.0 and earlier allows attackers to modify the window title via a cer

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HIGH 7.3REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0063 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting x11r6. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The xterm terminal emulator in XFree86 4.2.0 and earlier allows attackers to modify the window title via a certain character escape sequence and then insert it back to the command line in the user's terminal, e.g. when the user views a file containing the malicious sequence, which could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	3.4% (top 11%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-03-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xfree86 project

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

xfree86 project x11r6 DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.0 · 4.0.1 · 4.0.3 · 4.1.0 · 4.2.0 · 4.2.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy x11r6 || rpm -q x11r6 || x11r6 --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison x11r6 sudo apt install x11r6=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo apt-mark hold x11r6

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

dnf --showduplicates list x11r6 sudo dnf downgrade x11r6-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo dnf versionlock add x11r6

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-2003-0063?

x11r6: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0063 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0063 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-2003-0063 affect?

CVE-2003-0063 affects x11r6. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). The xterm terminal emulator in XFree86 4.2.0 and earlier allows attackers to modify the window title via a certain character escape sequence and then insert it back to the command line in the user's terminal, e.g. when the user views a file

How urgent is CVE-2003-0063?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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