CVE-2003-0584: Format string vulnerability in Backup and Restore Utility for Unix (BRU) 17.0 and earlier, when running setuid

Q: How do I fix CVE-2003-0584?

bru: upgrade to newer than 17.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2003-0584 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0584 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2003-0584 affect?

CVE-2003-0584 affects bru. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Format string vulnerability in Backup and Restore Utility for Unix (BRU) 17.0 and earlier, when running setuid, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a command line argument.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2003-0584?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

This month

HIGH 7.2UPGRADE

CVE-2003-0584 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting bru. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in Backup and Restore Utility for Unix (BRU) 17.0 and earlier, when running setuid, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a command line argument.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 35%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-08-18
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: tolis group

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

tolis group bru UPGRADE

Affected: <= 17.0

Fixed in: newer than 17.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 17.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade bru

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade bru

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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: Tolis Group BRU 17.0 - Local Privilege Escalation (1)
Exploit-DB: Tolis Group BRU 17.0 - Local Privilege Escalation (2)

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-2003-0584?

bru: upgrade to newer than 17.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0584 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0584 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-2003-0584 affect?

CVE-2003-0584 affects bru. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Format string vulnerability in Backup and Restore Utility for Unix (BRU) 17.0 and earlier, when running setuid, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a command line argument.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0584?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

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References

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