CVE-2004-0286: Buffer overflow in RobotFTP 1.0 and 2.0 beta 1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) an

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0286 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting robotftp server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in RobotFTP 1.0 and 2.0 beta 1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long username.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 5%: 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	8.1% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-11-23
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: robotftp

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

robotftp robotftp server DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0 · 2.0_beta_1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy robotftp-server || rpm -q robotftp-server || robotftp-server --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison robotftp-server sudo apt install robotftp-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold robotftp-server

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

dnf --showduplicates list robotftp-server sudo dnf downgrade robotftp-server-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add robotftp-server

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: RobotFTP Server 1.0/2.0 - 'Username' Buffer Overflow (1)
Exploit-DB: RobotFTP Server 1.0/2.0 - 'Username' Buffer Overflow (2)

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-2004-0286?

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

Is CVE-2004-0286 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0286 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-2004-0286 affect?

CVE-2004-0286 affects robotftp server. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in RobotFTP 1.0 and 2.0 beta 1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long username.

How urgent is CVE-2004-0286?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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