CVE-2003-1167: misc.cpp in KPopup 0.9.1 trusts the PATH variable when executing killall, which allows local users to elevate

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-1167 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting kpopup. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

misc.cpp in KPopup 0.9.1 trusts the PATH variable when executing killall, which allows local users to elevate their privileges by modifying the PATH variable to reference a malicious killall program.

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	1.0% (top 37%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gernot stocker

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:03 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gernot stocker kpopup DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9.1 · 0.9.5_pre2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison kpopup sudo apt install kpopup=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.1> sudo apt-mark hold kpopup

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

dnf --showduplicates list kpopup sudo dnf downgrade kpopup-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.1> sudo dnf versionlock add kpopup

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: kpopup 0.9.x - Privileged Command Execution

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-2003-1167?

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

Is CVE-2003-1167 being exploited?

CVE-2003-1167 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-2003-1167 affect?

CVE-2003-1167 affects kpopup. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). misc.cpp in KPopup 0.9.1 trusts the PATH variable when executing killall, which allows local users to elevate their privileges by modifying the PATH variable to reference a malicious killall program.

How urgent is CVE-2003-1167?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2003-1170 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE Format string vulnerability in main.cpp in kpopup 0.9.1 and 0.9.5pre2 allows local users to cause a denial of

References

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