CVE-2005-0580: cmd5checkpw, when running setuid, does not properly drop privileges before calling the execvp function, which

Routine

LOW 2.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-0580 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting cmd5checkpw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

cmd5checkpw, when running setuid, does not properly drop privileges before calling the execvp function, which allows local users to read the poppasswd file.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 75%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-02-25
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: krzysztof dabrowski

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-02-25 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:11 UTCUpdated Record last modified

krzysztof dabrowski cmd5checkpw DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.20 · 0.21 · 0.22

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.20

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy cmd5checkpw || rpm -q cmd5checkpw || cmd5checkpw --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.20 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cmd5checkpw sudo apt install cmd5checkpw=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.20> sudo apt-mark hold cmd5checkpw

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

dnf --showduplicates list cmd5checkpw sudo dnf downgrade cmd5checkpw-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.20> sudo dnf versionlock add cmd5checkpw

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-2005-0580?

cmd5checkpw: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-0580 being exploited?

CVE-2005-0580 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-2005-0580 affect?

CVE-2005-0580 affects cmd5checkpw. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). cmd5checkpw, when running setuid, does not properly drop privileges before calling the execvp function, which allows local users to read the poppasswd file.

How urgent is CVE-2005-0580?

Priority 14/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2000-0990 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE cmd5checkpw 0.21 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via an "SMTP AUTH" command w

References

← Back to latest CVEs