CVE-2003-0948: Buffer overflow in iwconfig allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long HOME environment variable.

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0948 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting wireless tools. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in iwconfig allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long HOME environment variable.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 34%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-12-15
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: wireless tools

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-12-15 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:03 UTCUpdated Record last modified

wireless tools wireless tools DOWNGRADE

Affected: 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 19

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy wireless-tools || rpm -q wireless-tools || wireless-tools --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 19 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison wireless-tools sudo apt install wireless-tools=<VERSION_BEFORE_19> sudo apt-mark hold wireless-tools

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

dnf --showduplicates list wireless-tools sudo dnf downgrade wireless-tools-<VERSION_BEFORE_19> sudo dnf versionlock add wireless-tools

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: Wireless Tools 26 (IWConfig) - Local Privilege Escalation

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-2003-0948?

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

Is CVE-2003-0948 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0948 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-2003-0948 affect?

CVE-2003-0948 affects wireless tools. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in iwconfig allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long HOME environment variable.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0948?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2003-0947 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in iwconfig, when installed setuid, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long OU

References

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