CVE-2003-0094: A patch for mcookie in the util-linux package for Mandrake Linux 8.2 and 9.0 uses /dev/urandom instead of /dev

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MEDIUM 5.0WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0094 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting util-linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A patch for mcookie in the util-linux package for Mandrake Linux 8.2 and 9.0 uses /dev/urandom instead of /dev/random, which causes mcookie to use an entropy source that is more predictable than expected, which may make it easier for certain types of attacks to succeed.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 25%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-03-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: andries brouwer

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

andries brouwer util-linux DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.11n · 2.11u

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.11n

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy util-linux || rpm -q util-linux || util-linux --version

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

apt-cache madison util-linux sudo apt install util-linux=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.11n> sudo apt-mark hold util-linux

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

dnf --showduplicates list util-linux sudo dnf downgrade util-linux-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.11n> sudo dnf versionlock add util-linux

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-2003-0094?

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

Is CVE-2003-0094 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0094 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-2003-0094 affect?

CVE-2003-0094 affects util-linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). A patch for mcookie in the util-linux package for Mandrake Linux 8.2 and 9.0 uses /dev/urandom instead of /dev/random, which causes mcookie to use an entropy source that is more predictable than expected, which may make it easier for certai

How urgent is CVE-2003-0094?

Priority 41/100. On your watchlist

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References

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