CVE-2003-0081: Format string vulnerability in packet-socks.c of the SOCKS dissector for Ethereal 0.8.7 through 0.9.9 allows r

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0081 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ethereal. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in packet-socks.c of the SOCKS dissector for Ethereal 0.8.7 through 0.9.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via SOCKS packets containing format string specifiers.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.8% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-03-18
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ethereal group

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-03-18 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ethereal group ethereal DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.8.18 · 0.9.0 · 0.9.1 · 0.9.2 · 0.9.3 · 0.9.4 · 0.9.5 · 0.9.6

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.8.18

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.8.18 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ethereal sudo apt install ethereal=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.8.18> sudo apt-mark hold ethereal

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

dnf --showduplicates list ethereal sudo dnf downgrade ethereal-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.8.18> sudo dnf versionlock add ethereal

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-2003-0081?

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

Is CVE-2003-0081 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0081 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-2003-0081 affect?

CVE-2003-0081 affects ethereal. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Format string vulnerability in packet-socks.c of the SOCKS dissector for Ethereal 0.8.7 through 0.9.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via SOCKS packets containing format string specifiers.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0081?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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