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CVE-2003-0962: Heap-based buffer overflow in rsync before 2.5.7, when running in server mode, allows remote attackers to exec

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This week
HIGH 7.5WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2003-0962 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting rsync, rsync, secure community. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in rsync before 2.5.7, when running in server mode, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code and possibly escape the chroot jail.

Why this priority

  • High severity
  • EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
  • On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance23.5% (top 2%)
CISA exploited listNo
Published2003-12-15
Last modified2026-06-16
Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: andrew tridgell · engardelinux · redhat · slackware

Share: LinkedIn · X · Reddit

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

andrew tridgell rsync DOWNGRADE
Affected: 2.3.1 · 2.3.2 · 2.4.0 · 2.4.1 · 2.4.3 · 2.4.4 · 2.4.5 · 2.4.6
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.3.1
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy rsync || rpm -q rsync || rsync --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.3.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison rsync sudo apt install rsync=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.1> sudo apt-mark hold rsync
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list rsync sudo dnf downgrade rsync-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.1> sudo dnf versionlock add rsync
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.
redhat rsync DOWNGRADE
Affected: 2.4.6-2 · 2.4.6-5 · 2.5.4-2 · 2.5.5-1 · 2.5.5-4
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.4.6-2
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy rsync || rpm -q rsync || rsync --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.4.6-2 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison rsync sudo apt install rsync=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4.6-2> sudo apt-mark hold rsync
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list rsync sudo dnf downgrade rsync-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4.6-2> sudo dnf versionlock add rsync
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.
engardelinux secure community MITIGATE
Affected: 1.0.1 · 2.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.1
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
engardelinux secure linux MITIGATE
Affected: 1.1 · 1.2 · 1.5
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
slackware slackware linux MITIGATE
Affected: 8.1 · 9.0 · 9.1 · current
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.1
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
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-2003-0962?

rsync: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; rsync: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; secure community: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0962 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0962 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-2003-0962 affect?

CVE-2003-0962 affects rsync, rsync, secure community. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Heap-based buffer overflow in rsync before 2.5.7, when running in server mode, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code and possibly escape the chroot jail.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0962?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

References

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