CVE-2003-0969: mpg321 0.2.10 allows remote attackers to overwrite memory and possibly execute arbitrary code via an mp3 file

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-0969 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting mpg321. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

mpg321 0.2.10 allows remote attackers to overwrite memory and possibly execute arbitrary code via an mp3 file that passes certain strings to the printf function, possibly triggering a format string vulnerability.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.8% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-01-20
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mpg321

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-01-20 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:03 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mpg321 mpg321 DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.2.10

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.2.10

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mpg321 || rpm -q mpg321 || mpg321 --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.2.10 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mpg321 sudo apt install mpg321=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.2.10> sudo apt-mark hold mpg321

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

dnf --showduplicates list mpg321 sudo dnf downgrade mpg321-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.2.10> sudo dnf versionlock add mpg321

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-2003-0969?

mpg321: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-0969 being exploited?

CVE-2003-0969 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-2003-0969 affect?

CVE-2003-0969 affects mpg321. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). mpg321 0.2.10 allows remote attackers to overwrite memory and possibly execute arbitrary code via an mp3 file that passes certain strings to the printf function, possibly triggering a format string vulnerability.

How urgent is CVE-2003-0969?

Priority 48/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-14247 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE The scan() function in mad.c in mpg321 0.3.2 allows remote attackers to trigger an out-of-bounds write via a z
CVE-2002-0272 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflows in mpg321 before 0.2.9 allows local and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code v

References

← Back to latest CVEs