CVE-2004-1278: Buffer overflow in the switch_voice function in parse.c for jcabc2ps 20040902 allows remote attackers to execu

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-1278 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting abc2ps, jcabc2ps. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in the switch_voice function in parse.c for jcabc2ps 20040902 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ABC file.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 7%: 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	6.0% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: abc2ps · john chambers

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

abc2ps abc2ps DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy abc2ps || rpm -q abc2ps || abc2ps --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison abc2ps sudo apt install abc2ps=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2> sudo apt-mark hold abc2ps

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

dnf --showduplicates list abc2ps sudo dnf downgrade abc2ps-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2> sudo dnf versionlock add abc2ps

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.

john chambers jcabc2ps DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2004-09-02

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2004-09-02

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy jcabc2ps || rpm -q jcabc2ps || jcabc2ps --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2004-09-02 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison jcabc2ps sudo apt install jcabc2ps=<VERSION_BEFORE_2004-09-02> sudo apt-mark hold jcabc2ps

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

dnf --showduplicates list jcabc2ps sudo dnf downgrade jcabc2ps-<VERSION_BEFORE_2004-09-02> sudo dnf versionlock add jcabc2ps

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-2004-1278?

abc2ps: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; jcabc2ps: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-1278 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1278 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-2004-1278 affect?

CVE-2004-1278 affects abc2ps, jcabc2ps. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in the switch_voice function in parse.c for jcabc2ps 20040902 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ABC file.

How urgent is CVE-2004-1278?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2006-1513 MEDIUM 5.1 DOWNGRADE Multiple buffer overflows in abc2ps before 1.3.3 allow user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via c

References

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