CVE-2003-0390: Multiple buffer overflows in Options Parsing Tool (OPT) shared library 3.18 and earlier, when used in setuid p

Q: How do I fix CVE-2003-0390?

opt: upgrade to newer than 3.18. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2003-0390 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0390 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-2003-0390 affect?

CVE-2003-0390 affects opt. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Multiple buffer overflows in Options Parsing Tool (OPT) shared library 3.18 and earlier, when used in setuid programs, may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line options that are fed into macros such as opt_warn_2

Q: How urgent is CVE-2003-0390?

Priority 37/100. Public exploit reference

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6UPGRADE

CVE-2003-0390 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting opt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in Options Parsing Tool (OPT) shared library 3.18 and earlier, when used in setuid programs, may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line options that are fed into macros such as opt_warn_2, as used in functions such as opt_atoi.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 36%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-07-02
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: james theiler

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-07-02 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

james theiler opt UPGRADE

Affected: <= 3.18

Fixed in: newer than 3.18

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.18 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade opt

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade opt

Note

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

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: Libopt.a 3.1x - Error Logging Buffer Overflow (1)
Exploit-DB: Libopt.a 3.1x - Error Logging Buffer Overflow (2)

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-2003-0390?

opt: upgrade to newer than 3.18. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0390 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0390 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-2003-0390 affect?

CVE-2003-0390 affects opt. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Multiple buffer overflows in Options Parsing Tool (OPT) shared library 3.18 and earlier, when used in setuid programs, may allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line options that are fed into macros such as opt_warn_2

How urgent is CVE-2003-0390?

Priority 37/100. Public exploit reference

References

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