CVE-2004-0299: Buffer overflow in smallftpd 0.99 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) via an FTP request w

Routine

LOW 2.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0299 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting smallftpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in smallftpd 0.99 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) via an FTP request with a large number of "/" (slash) characters.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 36%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-11-23
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: smallftpd

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

smallftpd smallftpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison smallftpd sudo apt install smallftpd=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.3> sudo apt-mark hold smallftpd

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

dnf --showduplicates list smallftpd sudo dnf downgrade smallftpd-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.3> sudo dnf versionlock add smallftpd

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: SmallFTPd 1.0.3 - Remote Denial of Service

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-2004-0299?

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

Is CVE-2004-0299 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0299 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-2004-0299 affect?

CVE-2004-0299 affects smallftpd. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). Buffer overflow in smallftpd 0.99 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) via an FTP request with a large number of "/" (slash) characters.

How urgent is CVE-2004-0299?

Priority 28/100. Public exploit reference

References

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