CVE-2005-0764: Buffer overflow in command.C for rxvt-unicode before 5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-0764 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting rxvt-unicode. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in command.C for rxvt-unicode before 5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file containing long escape sequences.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.7% (top 14%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-05-02
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: marc lehmann

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

marc lehmann rxvt-unicode DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.4 · 3.5 · 3.6 · 3.7 · 3.8 · 3.9 · 4.0 · 4.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy rxvt-unicode || rpm -q rxvt-unicode || rxvt-unicode --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rxvt-unicode sudo apt install rxvt-unicode=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.4> sudo apt-mark hold rxvt-unicode

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

dnf --showduplicates list rxvt-unicode sudo dnf downgrade rxvt-unicode-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.4> sudo dnf versionlock add rxvt-unicode

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-2005-0764?

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

Is CVE-2005-0764 being exploited?

CVE-2005-0764 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-2005-0764 affect?

CVE-2005-0764 affects rxvt-unicode. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in command.C for rxvt-unicode before 5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file containing long escape sequences.

How urgent is CVE-2005-0764?

Priority 48/100. High severity

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References

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