CVE-2005-1796: Format string vulnerability in the curses_msg function in the Ncurses interface (ec_curses.c) for Ettercap bef

Q: How do I fix CVE-2005-1796?

ettercap: upgrade to 0.7.3; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2005-1796 being exploited?

CVE-2005-1796 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2005-1796 affect?

CVE-2005-1796 affects ettercap, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Format string vulnerability in the curses_msg function in the Ncurses interface (ec_curses.c) for Ettercap before 0.7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2005-1796?

Priority 54/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

This month

HIGH 7.5WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2005-1796 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ettercap, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in the curses_msg function in the Ncurses interface (ec_curses.c) for Ettercap before 0.7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.5% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-05-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · ettercap

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-05-31 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ettercap ettercap UPGRADE

Affected: < 0.7.3

Fixed in: 0.7.3

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 0.7.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade ettercap

Note

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

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 3.0 · 3.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2005-1796?

ettercap: upgrade to 0.7.3; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-1796 being exploited?

CVE-2005-1796 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-2005-1796 affect?

CVE-2005-1796 affects ettercap, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Format string vulnerability in the curses_msg function in the Ncurses interface (ec_curses.c) for Ettercap before 0.7.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

How urgent is CVE-2005-1796?

Priority 54/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

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References

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