CVE-2003-0212: handleAccept in rinetd before 0.62 does not properly resize the connection list when it becomes full and sets

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0212 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting rinetd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

handleAccept in rinetd before 0.62 does not properly resize the connection list when it becomes full and sets an array index incorrectly, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a large number of connections.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.4% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-05-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: rinetd

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-05-12 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rinetd rinetd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.52 · 0.61

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.52

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.52 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rinetd sudo apt install rinetd=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.52> sudo apt-mark hold rinetd

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

dnf --showduplicates list rinetd sudo dnf downgrade rinetd-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.52> sudo dnf versionlock add rinetd

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-2003-0212?

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

Is CVE-2003-0212 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0212 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-2003-0212 affect?

CVE-2003-0212 affects rinetd. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). handleAccept in rinetd before 0.62 does not properly resize the connection list when it becomes full and sets an array index incorrectly, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a l

How urgent is CVE-2003-0212?

Priority 47/100. High severity

References

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