CVE-2003-0644: Kdbg 1.1.0 through 1.2.8 does not check permissions of the .kdbgrc file, which allows local users to execute a

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0644 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting kdbg. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Kdbg 1.1.0 through 1.2.8 does not check permissions of the .kdbgrc file, which allows local users to execute arbitrary commands.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 64%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-09-07
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: johannes sixt

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-09-07 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

johannes sixt kdbg DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1.0 · 1.1.1 · 1.1.2 · 1.1.3 · 1.1.4 · 1.1.5 · 1.1.6 · 1.1.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison kdbg sudo apt install kdbg=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.0> sudo apt-mark hold kdbg

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

dnf --showduplicates list kdbg sudo dnf downgrade kdbg-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add kdbg

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-2003-0644?

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

Is CVE-2003-0644 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0644 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-2003-0644 affect?

CVE-2003-0644 affects kdbg. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Kdbg 1.1.0 through 1.2.8 does not check permissions of the .kdbgrc file, which allows local users to execute arbitrary commands.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0644?

Priority 25/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

← Back to latest CVEs