CVE-2005-0162: Stack-based buffer overflow in the get_internal_addresses function in the pluto application for Openswan 1.x b

This month

HIGH 7.2UPGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-0162 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting openswan, openswan. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the get_internal_addresses function in the pluto application for Openswan 1.x before 1.0.9, and Openswan 2.x before 2.3.0, when compiled with XAUTH and PAM enabled, allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.7% (top 23%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-01-26
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: openswan · xelerance

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-01-26 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openswan openswan UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.0.9

Fixed in: newer than 1.0.9

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.0.9 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade openswan

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade openswan

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

xelerance openswan DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.3.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.3.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison openswan sudo apt install openswan=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.0> sudo apt-mark hold openswan

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

dnf --showduplicates list openswan sudo dnf downgrade openswan-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add openswan

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-2005-0162?

openswan: upgrade to newer than 1.0.9; openswan: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-0162 being exploited?

CVE-2005-0162 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-2005-0162 affect?

CVE-2005-0162 affects openswan, openswan. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Stack-based buffer overflow in the get_internal_addresses function in the pluto application for Openswan 1.x before 1.0.9, and Openswan 2.x before 2.3.0, when compiled with XAUTH and PAM enabled, allows remote authenticated attackers to exe

How urgent is CVE-2005-0162?

Priority 44/100. High severity

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References

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