CVE-2004-0185: Buffer overflow in the skey_challenge function in ftpd.c for wu-ftp daemon (wu-ftpd) 2.6.2 allows remote attac

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0185 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting wu-ftpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in the skey_challenge function in ftpd.c for wu-ftp daemon (wu-ftpd) 2.6.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a s/key (SKEY) request with a long name.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 6%: 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	7.4% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-03-15
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: washington university

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

washington university wu-ftpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.6.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.6.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy wu-ftpd || rpm -q wu-ftpd || wu-ftpd --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.6.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison wu-ftpd sudo apt install wu-ftpd=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.2> sudo apt-mark hold wu-ftpd

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

dnf --showduplicates list wu-ftpd sudo dnf downgrade wu-ftpd-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.2> sudo dnf versionlock add wu-ftpd

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-2004-0185?

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

Is CVE-2004-0185 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0185 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-2004-0185 affect?

CVE-2004-0185 affects wu-ftpd. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in the skey_challenge function in ftpd.c for wu-ftp daemon (wu-ftpd) 2.6.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a s/key (SKEY) request with a long name.

How urgent is CVE-2004-0185?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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