CVE-2003-0408: Buffer overflow in Uptime Client (UpClient) 5.0b7, and possibly other versions, allows local users to gain pri

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0408 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting upclient. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Uptime Client (UpClient) 5.0b7, and possibly other versions, allows local users to gain privileges via a long -p argument.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 35%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-06-30
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: the uptimes project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-06-30 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

the uptimes project upclient DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.0b7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0b7

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.0b7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison upclient sudo apt install upclient=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0b7> sudo apt-mark hold upclient

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

dnf --showduplicates list upclient sudo dnf downgrade upclient-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0b7> sudo dnf versionlock add upclient

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: Upclient 5.0 b7 - Command Line Argument Buffer Overflow

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-2003-0408?

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

Is CVE-2003-0408 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0408 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-2003-0408 affect?

CVE-2003-0408 affects upclient. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in Uptime Client (UpClient) 5.0b7, and possibly other versions, allows local users to gain privileges via a long -p argument.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0408?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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