CVE-2003-0235: Format string vulnerability in POP3 client for Mirabilis ICQ Pro 2003a allows remote malicious servers to exec

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0235 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting icq. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in POP3 client for Mirabilis ICQ Pro 2003a allows remote malicious servers to execute arbitrary code via format strings in the response to a UIDL command.

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	2.1% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-05-27
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mirabilis

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-05-27 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mirabilis icq DOWNGRADE

Affected: 99a_2.15build1701 · 99a_2.21build1800 · 2000.0a · 2000.0b_build3278 · 2001a · 2001b_build3636 · 2001b_build3638 · 2001b_build3659

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 99a_2.15build1701

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 99a_2.15build1701 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison icq sudo apt install icq=<VERSION_BEFORE_99a_2.15build1701> sudo apt-mark hold icq

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

dnf --showduplicates list icq sudo dnf downgrade icq-<VERSION_BEFORE_99a_2.15build1701> sudo dnf versionlock add icq

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-2003-0235?

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

Is CVE-2003-0235 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0235 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-2003-0235 affect?

CVE-2003-0235 affects icq. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Format string vulnerability in POP3 client for Mirabilis ICQ Pro 2003a allows remote malicious servers to execute arbitrary code via format strings in the response to a UIDL command.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0235?

Priority 47/100. High severity

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References

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