CVE-2005-2231: High Availability Linux Project Heartbeat 1.2.3 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink

Routine

LOW 2.1WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-2231 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting heartbeat. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

High Availability Linux Project Heartbeat 1.2.3 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 70%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-07-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: high availability linux project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-07-12 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:14 UTCUpdated Record last modified

high availability linux project heartbeat DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison heartbeat sudo apt install heartbeat=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.3> sudo apt-mark hold heartbeat

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

dnf --showduplicates list heartbeat sudo dnf downgrade heartbeat-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.3> sudo dnf versionlock add heartbeat

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-2005-2231?

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

Is CVE-2005-2231 being exploited?

CVE-2005-2231 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-2005-2231 affect?

CVE-2005-2231 affects heartbeat. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). High Availability Linux Project Heartbeat 1.2.3 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files.

How urgent is CVE-2005-2231?

Priority 20/100. On your watchlist

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References

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