CVE-2004-0395: The xatitv program in the gatos package does not properly drop root privileges when the configuration file doe

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0395 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting gatos. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The xatitv program in the gatos package does not properly drop root privileges when the configuration file does not exist, which allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a system call.

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	0.4% (top 65%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-06
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gatos

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-12-06 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gatos gatos DOWNGRADE

Affected: .5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before .5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before .5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gatos sudo apt install gatos=<VERSION_BEFORE_.5> sudo apt-mark hold gatos

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

dnf --showduplicates list gatos sudo dnf downgrade gatos-<VERSION_BEFORE_.5> sudo dnf versionlock add gatos

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-2004-0395?

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

Is CVE-2004-0395 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0395 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-2004-0395 affect?

CVE-2004-0395 affects gatos. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). The xatitv program in the gatos package does not properly drop root privileges when the configuration file does not exist, which allows local users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a system call.

How urgent is CVE-2004-0395?

Priority 34/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2005-0016 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in the exported_display function in xatitv in gatos before 0.0.5 allows local users to execute

References

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