CVE-2003-0499: Mantis 0.17.5 and earlier stores its database password in cleartext in a world-readable configuration file, wh

Routine

LOW 3.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0499 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.6) affecting mantis. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Mantis 0.17.5 and earlier stores its database password in cleartext in a world-readable configuration file, which allows local users to perform unauthorized database operations.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.6 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 68%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-08-07
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mantis

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

mantis mantis DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.17.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.17.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.17.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mantis sudo apt install mantis=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.17.5> sudo apt-mark hold mantis

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

dnf --showduplicates list mantis sudo dnf downgrade mantis-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.17.5> sudo dnf versionlock add mantis

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-2003-0499?

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

Is CVE-2003-0499 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0499 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-2003-0499 affect?

CVE-2003-0499 affects mantis. Severity is low (CVSS 3.6). Mantis 0.17.5 and earlier stores its database password in cleartext in a world-readable configuration file, which allows local users to perform unauthorized database operations.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0499?

Priority 21/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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