CVE-2004-2159: Multiple buffer overflows in XMLStarlet Command Line XML Toolkit 0.9.3 have unknown impact and attack vectors

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-2159 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting command line xml toolkit. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in XMLStarlet Command Line XML Toolkit 0.9.3 have unknown impact and attack vectors via (1) xml_elem.c and (2) xml_select.c.

Why this priority

Critical severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 20%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xmlstarlet

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 22:09 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xmlstarlet command line xml toolkit DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy command-line-xml-toolkit || rpm -q command-line-xml-toolkit || command-line-xml-toolkit --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison command-line-xml-toolkit sudo apt install command-line-xml-toolkit=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.3> sudo apt-mark hold command-line-xml-toolkit

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

dnf --showduplicates list command-line-xml-toolkit sudo dnf downgrade command-line-xml-toolkit-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.3> sudo dnf versionlock add command-line-xml-toolkit

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-2004-2159?

command line xml toolkit: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-2159 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2159 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-2004-2159 affect?

CVE-2004-2159 affects command line xml toolkit. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Multiple buffer overflows in XMLStarlet Command Line XML Toolkit 0.9.3 have unknown impact and attack vectors via (1) xml_elem.c and (2) xml_select.c.

How urgent is CVE-2004-2159?

Priority 55/100. Critical severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2004-2160 MEDIUM 6.4 DOWNGRADE Format string vulnerability in xml_elem.c for XMLStarlet Command Line XML Toolkit 0.9.3 may allow attackers to
CVE-2004-0989 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Multiple buffer overflows in libXML 2.6.12 and 2.6.13 (libxml2), and possibly other versions, may allow remote

References

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