CVE-2004-1304: Stack-based buffer overflow in the ELF header parsing code in file before 4.12 allows attackers to execute arb

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HIGH 10.0WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2004-1304 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting file, linux, secure linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the ELF header parsing code in file before 4.12 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ELF file.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	11.4% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-01-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: file · gentoo · trustix

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

file file DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.0 · 4.1 · 4.2 · 4.3 · 4.4 · 4.5 · 4.6 · 4.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison file sudo apt install file=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo apt-mark hold file

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

dnf --showduplicates list file sudo dnf downgrade file-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo dnf versionlock add file

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.

gentoo linux MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

trustix secure linux MITIGATE

Affected: 2.0 · 2.1 · 2.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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: File ELF 4.x - Header 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-2004-1304?

file: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; secure linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-1304 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1304 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-2004-1304 affect?

CVE-2004-1304 affects file, linux, secure linux. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Stack-based buffer overflow in the ELF header parsing code in file before 4.12 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ELF file.

How urgent is CVE-2004-1304?

Priority 69/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

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CVE-2019-8904 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE do_bid_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has a stack-based buffer over-read, related to file_printf

References

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