CVE-2003-0844: mod_gzip 1.3.26.1a and earlier, and possibly later official versions, when running in debug mode without the A

Q: How do I fix CVE-2003-0844?

mod gzip: upgrade to newer than 1.3.26.1a. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2003-0844 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0844 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2003-0844 affect?

CVE-2003-0844 affects mod gzip. Severity is high (CVSS 7.1). mod_gzip 1.3.26.1a and earlier, and possibly later official versions, when running in debug mode without the Apache log, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via (1) a symlink attack on predictable temporary filenames on Unix sys

Routine

HIGH 7.1UPGRADE

CVE-2003-0844 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.1) affecting mod gzip. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

mod_gzip 1.3.26.1a and earlier, and possibly later official versions, when running in debug mode without the Apache log, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via (1) a symlink attack on predictable temporary filenames on Unix systems, or (2) an NTFS hard link on Windows systems when the "Strengthen default permissions of internal system objects" policy is not enabled.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.1 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 75%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2003-11-17
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: schroepl

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-11-17 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:03 UTCUpdated Record last modified

schroepl mod gzip UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.3.26.1a

Fixed in: newer than 1.3.26.1a

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mod-gzip || rpm -q mod-gzip || mod-gzip --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.3.26.1a (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade mod-gzip

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade mod-gzip

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2003-0844?

mod gzip: upgrade to newer than 1.3.26.1a. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0844 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0844 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-2003-0844 affect?

CVE-2003-0844 affects mod gzip. Severity is high (CVSS 7.1). mod_gzip 1.3.26.1a and earlier, and possibly later official versions, when running in debug mode without the Apache log, allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via (1) a symlink attack on predictable temporary filenames on Unix sys

How urgent is CVE-2003-0844?

Priority 31/100. High severity

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2003-0843 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Format string vulnerability in mod_gzip_printf for mod_gzip 1.3.26.1a and earlier, and possibly later official
CVE-2003-0842 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Stack-based buffer overflow in mod_gzip_printf for mod_gzip 1.3.26.1a and earlier, and possibly later official

References

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