CVE-2005-0469: Buffer overflow in the slc_add_reply function in various BSD-based Telnet clients, when handling LINEMODE subo

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HIGH 7.5MITIGATE

CVE-2005-0469 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting telnet. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in the slc_add_reply function in various BSD-based Telnet clients, when handling LINEMODE suboptions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a reply with a large number of Set Local Character (SLC) commands.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	8.9% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-05-02
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ncsa

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-05-02 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:11 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ncsa telnet MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

No fixed or unaffected release known

Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.

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-2005-0469?

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

Is CVE-2005-0469 being exploited?

CVE-2005-0469 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-2005-0469 affect?

CVE-2005-0469 affects telnet. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in the slc_add_reply function in various BSD-based Telnet clients, when handling LINEMODE suboptions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a reply with a large number of Set Local Character (SLC) commands.

How urgent is CVE-2005-0469?

Priority 50/100. High severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited

Related CVEs

CVE-2005-0468 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the env_opt_add function in telnet.c for various BSD-based Telnet clients allows

References

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