CVE-2004-0851: The (1) write_list and (2) dump_curr_list functions in Net-Acct before 0.71 allows local users to overwrite ar

Routine

LOW 2.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-0851 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting net-acct. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The (1) write_list and (2) dump_curr_list functions in Net-Acct before 0.71 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-09-08
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ulrich callmeier

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-09-08 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:06 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ulrich callmeier net-acct DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.6 · 0.7 · 0.71

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.6

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy net-acct || rpm -q net-acct || net-acct --version

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

apt-cache madison net-acct sudo apt install net-acct=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.6> sudo apt-mark hold net-acct

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

dnf --showduplicates list net-acct sudo dnf downgrade net-acct-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.6> sudo dnf versionlock add net-acct

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-2004-0851?

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

Is CVE-2004-0851 being exploited?

CVE-2004-0851 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-2004-0851 affect?

CVE-2004-0851 affects net-acct. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). The (1) write_list and (2) dump_curr_list functions in Net-Acct before 0.71 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

How urgent is CVE-2004-0851?

Priority 14/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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