CVE-2003-0251: ypserv NIS server before 2.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a TCP client request tha

Q: How do I fix CVE-2003-0251?

ypserv nis server: upgrade to newer than 2.7. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2003-0251 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0251 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2003-0251 affect?

CVE-2003-0251 affects ypserv nis server. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). ypserv NIS server before 2.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a TCP client request that does not respond to the server, which causes ypserv to block.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2003-0251?

Priority 39/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Routine

MEDIUM 5.0UPGRADE

CVE-2003-0251 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting ypserv nis server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ypserv NIS server before 2.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a TCP client request that does not respond to the server, which causes ypserv to block.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	2.7% (top 14%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-07-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: nis

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-07-24 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nis ypserv nis server UPGRADE

Affected: <= 2.7

Fixed in: newer than 2.7

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy ypserv-nis-server || rpm -q ypserv-nis-server || ypserv-nis-server --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade ypserv-nis-server

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade ypserv-nis-server

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2003-0251?

ypserv nis server: upgrade to newer than 2.7. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0251 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0251 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-2003-0251 affect?

CVE-2003-0251 affects ypserv nis server. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). ypserv NIS server before 2.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a TCP client request that does not respond to the server, which causes ypserv to block.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0251?

Priority 39/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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