CVE-2004-1214: Format string vulnerability in Kreed 1.05 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via fo

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-1214 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting kreed. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in Kreed 1.05 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format specifiers in (1) a nickname or (2) message text.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 6%: 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	6.8% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: burut

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-01-10 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

burut kreed DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison kreed sudo apt install kreed=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5> sudo apt-mark hold kreed

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

dnf --showduplicates list kreed sudo dnf downgrade kreed-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5> sudo dnf versionlock add kreed

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: Kreed 1.05 - Format String / 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-2004-1214?

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

Is CVE-2004-1214 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1214 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-2004-1214 affect?

CVE-2004-1214 affects kreed. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Format string vulnerability in Kreed 1.05 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format specifiers in (1) a nickname or (2) message text.

How urgent is CVE-2004-1214?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2004-1216 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE The scripts that handle players in Kreed 1.05 and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service
CVE-2004-1215 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Kreed 1.05 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (server disconnect) via a long UDP

References

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