CVE-2004-0279: AIM Sniff (aimSniff.pl) 0.9b allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/AS.l

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0279 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting aim sniff. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

AIM Sniff (aimSniff.pl) 0.9b allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/AS.log.

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	0.3% (top 73%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-11-23
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: aim sniff

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-11-23 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

aim sniff aim sniff DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.6 · 0.7 · 0.8 · 0.9 · 0.9b

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.6

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy aim-sniff || rpm -q aim-sniff || aim-sniff --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison aim-sniff sudo apt install aim-sniff=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.6> sudo apt-mark hold aim-sniff

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

dnf --showduplicates list aim-sniff sudo dnf downgrade aim-sniff-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.6> sudo dnf versionlock add aim-sniff

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-2004-0279?

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

Is CVE-2004-0279 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0279 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-2004-0279 affect?

CVE-2004-0279 affects aim sniff. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). AIM Sniff (aimSniff.pl) 0.9b allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on /tmp/AS.log.

How urgent is CVE-2004-0279?

Priority 32/100. High severity

References

← Back to latest CVEs