CVE-2003-0654: Buffer overflow in autorespond may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code as the autorespond user vi

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0654 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting autorespond. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in autorespond may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code as the autorespond user via qmail.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.4% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-08-27
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: autorespond

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

autorespond autorespond DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison autorespond sudo apt install autorespond=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.2> sudo apt-mark hold autorespond

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

dnf --showduplicates list autorespond sudo dnf downgrade autorespond-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.2> sudo dnf versionlock add autorespond

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-2003-0654?

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

Is CVE-2003-0654 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0654 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-2003-0654 affect?

CVE-2003-0654 affects autorespond. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in autorespond may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code as the autorespond user via qmail.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0654?

Priority 47/100. High severity

References

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