CVE-2003-1090: Buffer overflow in AbsoluteTelnet before 2.12 RC10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a lon

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-1090 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting absolutetelnet. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in AbsoluteTelnet before 2.12 RC10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long window title.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	11.6% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-02-06
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: celestial software

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-02-06 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:03 UTCUpdated Record last modified

celestial software absolutetelnet DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0 · 2.11

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison absolutetelnet sudo apt install absolutetelnet=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0> sudo apt-mark hold absolutetelnet

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

dnf --showduplicates list absolutetelnet sudo dnf downgrade absolutetelnet-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add absolutetelnet

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: Celestial Software AbsoluteTelnet 2.0/2.11 - Title Bar Buffer Overflow

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-2003-1090?

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

Is CVE-2003-1090 being exploited?

CVE-2003-1090 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-2003-1090 affect?

CVE-2003-1090 affects absolutetelnet. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in AbsoluteTelnet before 2.12 RC10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long window title.

How urgent is CVE-2003-1090?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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