CVE-2003-0102: Buffer overflow in tryelf() in readelf.c of the file command allows attackers to execute arbitrary code as the

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MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2003-0102 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting file, netbsd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in tryelf() in readelf.c of the file command allows attackers to execute arbitrary code as the user running file, possibly via a large entity size value in an ELF header (elfhdr.e_shentsize).

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-03-18
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: file · netbsd

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

file file DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.28 · 3.30 · 3.32 · 3.33 · 3.34 · 3.35 · 3.36 · 3.37

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.28

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.28 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison file sudo apt install file=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.28> sudo apt-mark hold file

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

dnf --showduplicates list file sudo dnf downgrade file-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.28> sudo dnf versionlock add file

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.

netbsd netbsd MITIGATE

Affected: 1.5 · 1.5.1 · 1.5.2 · 1.5.3 · 1.6

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.5

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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: File 3.x - Local Stack Overflow Code Execution (1)
Exploit-DB: File 3.x - Local Stack Overflow Code Execution (2)

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-2003-0102?

file: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; netbsd: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0102 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0102 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-2003-0102 affect?

CVE-2003-0102 affects file, netbsd. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Buffer overflow in tryelf() in readelf.c of the file command allows attackers to execute arbitrary code as the user running file, possibly via a large entity size value in an ELF header (elfhdr.e_shentsize).

How urgent is CVE-2003-0102?

Priority 41/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

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CVE-2022-48554 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE File before 5.43 has an stack-based buffer over-read in file_copystr in funcs.c
CVE-2019-8907 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (sta
CVE-2019-8905 MEDIUM 4.4 MITIGATE DOWNGRADE do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has a stack-based buffer over-read, related to file_print
CVE-2019-8904 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE do_bid_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has a stack-based buffer over-read, related to file_printf

References

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