CVE-2003-0394: objects.inc.php4 in BLNews 2.1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a Server[path] para

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0394 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting blnews. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

objects.inc.php4 in BLNews 2.1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a Server[path] parameter that points to malicious code on an attacker-controlled web site.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.3% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-07-02
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: blnews

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

blnews blnews DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.1.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.1.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.1.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison blnews sudo apt install blnews=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1.3> sudo apt-mark hold blnews

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

dnf --showduplicates list blnews sudo dnf downgrade blnews-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1.3> sudo dnf versionlock add blnews

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.

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: BLNews 2.1.3 - Remote File Inclusion

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-2003-0394?

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

Is CVE-2003-0394 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0394 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-2003-0394 affect?

CVE-2003-0394 affects blnews. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). objects.inc.php4 in BLNews 2.1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a Server[path] parameter that points to malicious code on an attacker-controlled web site.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0394?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

References

← Back to latest CVEs