CVE-2003-0173: xfsdq in xfsdump does not create quota information files securely, which allows local users to gain root privi

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2003-0173 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting xfsdump, irix. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

xfsdq in xfsdump does not create quota information files securely, which allows local users to gain root privileges.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 58%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-05-05
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: sgi · xfsdump

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-05-05 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xfsdump xfsdump DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.0 · 2.0.1 · 2.0.2 · 2.0.3 · 2.0.4 · 2.0.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xfsdump sudo apt install xfsdump=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold xfsdump

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

dnf --showduplicates list xfsdump sudo dnf downgrade xfsdump-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add xfsdump

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.

sgi irix MITIGATE

Affected: 6.5 · 6.5.1 · 6.5.2 · 6.5.2f · 6.5.2m · 6.5.3 · 6.5.3f · 6.5.3m

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.5

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.

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-2003-0173?

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

Is CVE-2003-0173 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0173 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-2003-0173 affect?

CVE-2003-0173 affects xfsdump, irix. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). xfsdq in xfsdump does not create quota information files securely, which allows local users to gain root privileges.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0173?

Priority 36/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2007-2654 MEDIUM 4.4 MITIGATE DOWNGRADE xfs_fsr in xfsdump creates a .fsr temporary directory with insecure permissions, which allows local users to r

References

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