CVE-2003-0359: nethack 3.4.0 and earlier installs certain setgid binaries with insecure permissions, which allows local users

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0359 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting nethack. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

nethack 3.4.0 and earlier installs certain setgid binaries with insecure permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges by replacing the original binaries with malicious code.

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 75%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-07-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: stichting mathematisch centrum

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 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

stichting mathematisch centrum nethack DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.4.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.4.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison nethack sudo apt install nethack=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.4.0> sudo apt-mark hold nethack

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

dnf --showduplicates list nethack sudo dnf downgrade nethack-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.4.0> sudo dnf versionlock add nethack

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-2003-0359?

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

Is CVE-2003-0359 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0359 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-2003-0359 affect?

CVE-2003-0359 affects nethack. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). nethack 3.4.0 and earlier installs certain setgid binaries with insecure permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges by replacing the original binaries with malicious code.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0359?

Priority 22/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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