CVE-2003-0203: Buffer overflow in moxftp 2.2 and earlier allows remote malicious FTP servers to execute arbitrary code via a

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0203 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting moxftp, xftp. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in moxftp 2.2 and earlier allows remote malicious FTP servers to execute arbitrary code via a long FTP banner.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	7.1% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-04-11
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: moxftp · xftp

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-04-11 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

moxftp moxftp DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison moxftp sudo apt install moxftp=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2> sudo apt-mark hold moxftp

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

dnf --showduplicates list moxftp sudo dnf downgrade moxftp-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2> sudo dnf versionlock add moxftp

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.

xftp xftp DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xftp sudo apt install xftp=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2> sudo apt-mark hold xftp

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

dnf --showduplicates list xftp sudo dnf downgrade xftp-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2> sudo dnf versionlock add xftp

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.

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: moxftp 2.2 - Banner Parsing 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-2003-0203?

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

Is CVE-2003-0203 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0203 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-2003-0203 affect?

CVE-2003-0203 affects moxftp, xftp. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in moxftp 2.2 and earlier allows remote malicious FTP servers to execute arbitrary code via a long FTP banner.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0203?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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