CVE-2003-0966: Buffer overflow in the frm command in elm 2.5.6 and earlier, and possibly later versions, allows remote attack

Q: How do I fix CVE-2003-0966?

elm: upgrade to newer than 2.5.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2003-0966 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0966 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-2003-0966 affect?

CVE-2003-0966 affects elm. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in the frm command in elm 2.5.6 and earlier, and possibly later versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Subject line.

This month

HIGH 7.5UPGRADE

CVE-2003-0966 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting elm. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in the frm command in elm 2.5.6 and earlier, and possibly later versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Subject line.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.3% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-02-17
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: elm development group

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-02-17 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:03 UTCUpdated Record last modified

elm development group elm UPGRADE

Affected: <= 2.5.6

Fixed in: newer than 2.5.6

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.5.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade elm

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade elm

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-2003-0966?

elm: upgrade to newer than 2.5.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0966 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0966 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-2003-0966 affect?

CVE-2003-0966 affects elm. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in the frm command in elm 2.5.6 and earlier, and possibly later versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Subject line.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0966?

Priority 48/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2003-1323 MEDIUM 6.8 DOWNGRADE Elm ME+ 2.4 before PL109S, when installed setgid mail and the operating system lacks POSIX saved ID support, a
CVE-2001-1174 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Buffer overflow in Elm 2.5.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Message-
CVE-1999-1334 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Multiple buffer overflows in filter command in Elm 2.4 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via (1)

References

← Back to latest CVEs