CVE-2003-0454: Multiple buffer overflows in xgalaga 2.0.34 and earlier allow local users to gain privileges via a long HOME e

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0454 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting xgalaga. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in xgalaga 2.0.34 and earlier allow local users to gain privileges via a long HOME environment variable.

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	3.3% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-08-07
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: joe rumsey

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-08-07 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

joe rumsey xgalaga DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.34

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.34

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.34 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xgalaga sudo apt install xgalaga=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.34> sudo apt-mark hold xgalaga

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

dnf --showduplicates list xgalaga sudo dnf downgrade xgalaga-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.34> sudo dnf versionlock add xgalaga

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: XGalaga 2.0.34 (RedHat 9.0) - Local Game

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-2003-0454?

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

Is CVE-2003-0454 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0454 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-2003-0454 affect?

CVE-2003-0454 affects xgalaga. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Multiple buffer overflows in xgalaga 2.0.34 and earlier allow local users to gain privileges via a long HOME environment variable.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0454?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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