CVE-2004-0172: Heap-based buffer overflow in the search_for_command function of ltrace 0.3.10, if it is installed setuid, cou

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0172 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting ltrace. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in the search_for_command function of ltrace 0.3.10, if it is installed setuid, could allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long filename. NOTE: It is unclear whether there are any packages that install ltrace as a setuid program, so this candidate might be REJECTed.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 59%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-03-15
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: juan cespedes

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-03-15 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

juan cespedes ltrace DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.3.10

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.3.10

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.3.10 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ltrace sudo apt install ltrace=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.3.10> sudo apt-mark hold ltrace

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

dnf --showduplicates list ltrace sudo dnf downgrade ltrace-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.3.10> sudo dnf versionlock add ltrace

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-2004-0172?

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

Is CVE-2004-0172 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0172 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-2004-0172 affect?

CVE-2004-0172 affects ltrace. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Heap-based buffer overflow in the search_for_command function of ltrace 0.3.10, if it is installed setuid, could allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long filename. NOTE: It is unclear whether there are any packages that insta

How urgent is CVE-2004-0172?

Priority 36/100. High severity

References

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