CVE-2003-0766: Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in FTP Desktop client 3.5, and possibly earlier versions, allow remote ma

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0766 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ftp desktop. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in FTP Desktop client 3.5, and possibly earlier versions, allow remote malicious servers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long FTP banner, (2) a long response to a USER command, or (3) a long response to a PASS command.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	6.9% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-09-17
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ftp desktop

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-09-17 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ftp desktop ftp desktop DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.5

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy ftp-desktop || rpm -q ftp-desktop || ftp-desktop --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ftp-desktop sudo apt install ftp-desktop=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.5> sudo apt-mark hold ftp-desktop

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

dnf --showduplicates list ftp-desktop sudo dnf downgrade ftp-desktop-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.5> sudo dnf versionlock add ftp-desktop

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: FTP Desktop 3.5 - Banner Parsing Buffer Overflow
Exploit-DB: FTP Desktop 3.5 - FTP 331 Server Response Buffer Overflow

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-2003-0766?

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

Is CVE-2003-0766 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0766 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-2003-0766 affect?

CVE-2003-0766 affects ftp desktop. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in FTP Desktop client 3.5, and possibly earlier versions, allow remote malicious servers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long FTP banner, (2) a long response to a USER command, or (3) a long response

How urgent is CVE-2003-0766?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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