CVE-2004-2552: Buffer overflow in XBoard 4.2.7 and earlier might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long -icsh

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-2552 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting xboard. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in XBoard 4.2.7 and earlier might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long -icshost command line argument. NOTE: since the program is not setuid and not normally called from remote programs, there may not be a typical attack vector for the issue that crosses privilege boundaries. Therefore this may not be a vulnerability.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 50%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: tim mann

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

tim mann xboard DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.2.1 · 4.2.2 · 4.2.3 · 4.2.4 · 4.2.5 · 4.2.6 · 4.2.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.2.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.2.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xboard sudo apt install xboard=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.2.1> sudo apt-mark hold xboard

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

dnf --showduplicates list xboard sudo dnf downgrade xboard-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.2.1> sudo dnf versionlock add xboard

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-2004-2552?

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

Is CVE-2004-2552 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2552 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-2004-2552 affect?

CVE-2004-2552 affects xboard. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Buffer overflow in XBoard 4.2.7 and earlier might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long -icshost command line argument. NOTE: since the program is not setuid and not normally called from remote programs, there may not be a

How urgent is CVE-2004-2552?

Priority 34/100. Public exploit reference

References

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