CVE-2003-0524: Qt in Knoppix 3.1 Live CD allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the qt_plugi

Routine

MEDIUM 6.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0524 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.2) affecting knoppix. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Qt in Knoppix 3.1 Live CD allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the qt_plugins_3.0rc temporary file in the .qt directory.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.2 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 78%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-08-18
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: knoppix

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-08-18 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

knoppix knoppix DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison knoppix sudo apt install knoppix=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1> sudo apt-mark hold knoppix

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

dnf --showduplicates list knoppix sudo dnf downgrade knoppix-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1> sudo dnf versionlock add knoppix

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-2003-0524?

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

Is CVE-2003-0524 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0524 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-2003-0524 affect?

CVE-2003-0524 affects knoppix. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.2). Qt in Knoppix 3.1 Live CD allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the qt_plugins_3.0rc temporary file in the .qt directory.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0524?

Priority 27/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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