CVE-2004-1260: Multiple buffer overflows in the (1) write_heading function in subs.cpp or (2) trim_title function in parse.cp

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-1260 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting abctab2ps. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in the (1) write_heading function in subs.cpp or (2) trim_title function in parse.cpp for abctab2ps 1.6.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted ABC files.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 4%: 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	11.2% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: abctab2ps

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

abctab2ps abctab2ps DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.6.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.6.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy abctab2ps || rpm -q abctab2ps || abctab2ps --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.6.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison abctab2ps sudo apt install abctab2ps=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6.3> sudo apt-mark hold abctab2ps

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

dnf --showduplicates list abctab2ps sudo dnf downgrade abctab2ps-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6.3> sudo dnf versionlock add abctab2ps

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: abctab2ps 1.6.3 - 'Trim_Title' '.ABC' File Remote Buffer Overflow
Exploit-DB: abctab2ps 1.6.3 - 'Write_Heading' '.ABC' Remote Buffer Overflow

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-2004-1260?

abctab2ps: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-1260 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1260 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-2004-1260 affect?

CVE-2004-1260 affects abctab2ps. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Multiple buffer overflows in the (1) write_heading function in subs.cpp or (2) trim_title function in parse.cpp for abctab2ps 1.6.3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted ABC files.

How urgent is CVE-2004-1260?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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