CVE-2003-0087: Buffer overflow in libIM library (libIM.a) for National Language Support (NLS) on AIX 4.3 through 5.2 allows l

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HIGH 7.2MITIGATE

CVE-2003-0087 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting libim. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in libIM library (libIM.a) for National Language Support (NLS) on AIX 4.3 through 5.2 allows local users to gain privileges via several possible attack vectors, including a long -im argument to aixterm.

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 34%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-03-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: national language support

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

national language support libim MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

No fixed or unaffected release known

Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.

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: IBM AIX 4.3.3/5.1/5.2 - 'libIM' Buffer Overflow

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-2003-0087?

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

Is CVE-2003-0087 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0087 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-2003-0087 affect?

CVE-2003-0087 affects libim. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in libIM library (libIM.a) for National Language Support (NLS) on AIX 4.3 through 5.2 allows local users to gain privileges via several possible attack vectors, including a long -im argument to aixterm.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0087?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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