CVE-2004-2221: Buffer overflow in SoftCart.exe in Mercantec SoftCart 4.00b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-2221 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting softcart. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in SoftCart.exe in Mercantec SoftCart 4.00b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long parameter in an HTTP GET request.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	34.8% (top 2%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mercantec

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

mercantec softcart DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.00b

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.00b

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.00b (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison softcart sudo apt install softcart=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.00b> sudo apt-mark hold softcart

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

dnf --showduplicates list softcart sudo dnf downgrade softcart-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.00b> sudo dnf versionlock add softcart

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: Mercantec SoftCart 4.00b - CGI Overflow (Metasploit)
Exploit-DB: Mercantec SoftCart - CGI Overflow (Metasploit)
Metasploit: Mercantec SoftCart CGI 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-2004-2221?

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

Is CVE-2004-2221 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2221 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-2004-2221 affect?

CVE-2004-2221 affects softcart. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in SoftCart.exe in Mercantec SoftCart 4.00b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long parameter in an HTTP GET request.

How urgent is CVE-2004-2221?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2008-0523 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in SoftCart.exe in SoftCart 5.1.2.2 allow remote attackers

References

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