CVE-2003-0202: The (1) halstead and (2) gather_stats scripts in metrics 1.0 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files vi

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0202 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting metrics. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The (1) halstead and (2) gather_stats scripts in metrics 1.0 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 73%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-04-15
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: brian renaud

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-04-15 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

brian renaud metrics DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison metrics sudo apt install metrics=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold metrics

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

dnf --showduplicates list metrics sudo dnf downgrade metrics-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add metrics

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-2003-0202?

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

Is CVE-2003-0202 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0202 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-2003-0202 affect?

CVE-2003-0202 affects metrics. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). The (1) halstead and (2) gather_stats scripts in metrics 1.0 allow local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0202?

Priority 23/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-4860 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE A vulnerability was found in KBase Metrics
CVE-2022-20621 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE Jenkins Metrics Plugin 4.0.2.8 and earlier stores an access key unencrypted in its global configuration file o

References

← Back to latest CVEs