CVE-2004-1484: Format string vulnerability in the _msg function in error.c in socat 1.4.0.3 and earlier, when used as an HTTP

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MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-1484 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting socat. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in the _msg function in error.c in socat 1.4.0.3 and earlier, when used as an HTTP proxy client and run with the -ly option, allows remote attackers or local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a syslog message.

Why this priority

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	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	7.3% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: socat

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

socat socat DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.3.0 · 1.0.4.0 · 1.0.4.1 · 1.0.4.2 · 1.1.0.0 · 1.1.0.1 · 1.2.0.0 · 1.3.0.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.3.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison socat sudo apt install socat=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.3.0> sudo apt-mark hold socat

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

dnf --showduplicates list socat sudo dnf downgrade socat-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add socat

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: Socat 1.4.0.2 - Not SETUID Local Format String

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-2004-1484?

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

Is CVE-2004-1484 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1484 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-2004-1484 affect?

CVE-2004-1484 affects socat. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). Format string vulnerability in the _msg function in error.c in socat 1.4.0.3 and earlier, when used as an HTTP proxy client and run with the -ly option, allows remote attackers or local users to execute arbitrary code via format string spec

How urgent is CVE-2004-1484?

Priority 46/100. EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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