CVE-2003-0828: Buffer overflow in freesweep in Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 allows local users to gain "games" group privileges when

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0828 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting freesweep. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in freesweep in Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 allows local users to gain "games" group privileges when processing environment variables.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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	2004-03-29
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gus and psilord

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-03-29 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:03 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gus and psilord freesweep DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.88 · 0.90

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.88

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.88 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison freesweep sudo apt install freesweep=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.88> sudo apt-mark hold freesweep

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

dnf --showduplicates list freesweep sudo dnf downgrade freesweep-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.88> sudo dnf versionlock add freesweep

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-2003-0828?

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

Is CVE-2003-0828 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0828 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-2003-0828 affect?

CVE-2003-0828 affects freesweep. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Buffer overflow in freesweep in Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 allows local users to gain "games" group privileges when processing environment variables.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0828?

Priority 30/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

References

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