CVE-2004-1301: Buffer overflow in the book_format_sql function in format.c for xlreader 0.9.0 allows remote attackers to exec

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-1301 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting xlreader. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in the book_format_sql function in format.c for xlreader 0.9.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Excel (XLS) 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	6.2% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xlreader

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

xlreader xlreader DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xlreader sudo apt install xlreader=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9> sudo apt-mark hold xlreader

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

dnf --showduplicates list xlreader sudo dnf downgrade xlreader-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9> sudo dnf versionlock add xlreader

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: XLReader 0.9 - Remote Client-Side 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-2004-1301?

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

Is CVE-2004-1301 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1301 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-2004-1301 affect?

CVE-2004-1301 affects xlreader. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in the book_format_sql function in format.c for xlreader 0.9.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Excel (XLS) file.

How urgent is CVE-2004-1301?

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

References

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