CVE-2003-0645: man-db 2.3.12 and 2.3.18 to 2.4.1 uses certain user-controlled DEFINE directives from the ~/.manpath file, eve

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0645 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting man. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

man-db 2.3.12 and 2.3.18 to 2.4.1 uses certain user-controlled DEFINE directives from the ~/.manpath file, even when running setuid, which could allow local users to gain privileges.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 45%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-08-27
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: andries brouwer

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-08-27 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

andries brouwer man DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.3.20 · 2.4.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.3.20

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.3.20 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison man sudo apt install man=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.20> sudo apt-mark hold man

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

dnf --showduplicates list man sudo dnf downgrade man-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.20> sudo dnf versionlock add man

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: man-db 2.4.1 - 'open_cat_stream()' Local uid=man

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-2003-0645?

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

Is CVE-2003-0645 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0645 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-2003-0645 affect?

CVE-2003-0645 affects man. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). man-db 2.3.12 and 2.3.18 to 2.4.1 uses certain user-controlled DEFINE directives from the ~/.manpath file, even when running setuid, which could allow local users to gain privileges.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0645?

Priority 35/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2003-0620 MEDIUM 4.6 DOWNGRADE Multiple buffer overflows in man-db 2.4.1 and earlier, when installed setuid, allow local users to gain privil
CVE-2003-0124 MEDIUM 4.6 DOWNGRADE man before 1.5l allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed man file with improper quotes, whic

References

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