CVE-2004-0579: Format string vulnerability in super before 3.23 allows local users to execute arbitrary code as root.

Routine

HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2004-0579 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting super, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in super before 3.23 allows local users to execute arbitrary code as root.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 63%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-08-06
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · william deich

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-08-06 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

william deich super DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.12 · 3.16 · 3.17 · 3.18 · 3.19

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.12

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison super sudo apt install super=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.12> sudo apt-mark hold super

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

dnf --showduplicates list super sudo dnf downgrade super-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.12> sudo dnf versionlock add super

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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 3.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2004-0579?

super: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-0579 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0579 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-2004-0579 affect?

CVE-2004-0579 affects super, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Format string vulnerability in super before 3.23 allows local users to execute arbitrary code as root.

How urgent is CVE-2004-0579?

Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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CVE-2011-2776 MEDIUM 4.4 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in the Error function in super.c in Super 3.30.0 might allow local users to execute arbitrary
CVE-2002-0817 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE Format string vulnerability in super for Linux allows local users to gain root privileges via a long command l

References

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