CVE-2005-2367: Format string vulnerability in the proto_item_set_text function in Ethereal 0.9.4 through 0.10.11, as used in

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-2367 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ethereal. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in the proto_item_set_text function in Ethereal 0.9.4 through 0.10.11, as used in multiple dissectors, allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary memory locations and gain privileges via a crafted AFP packet.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	6.1% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-08-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: ethereal group

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-08-10 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:14 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ethereal group ethereal DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9.4 · 0.9.5 · 0.9.6 · 0.9.7 · 0.9.8 · 0.9.9 · 0.9.10 · 0.9.11

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9.4

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ethereal sudo apt install ethereal=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.4> sudo apt-mark hold ethereal

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

dnf --showduplicates list ethereal sudo dnf downgrade ethereal-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.4> sudo dnf versionlock add ethereal

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Ethereal 10.x - AFP Protocol Dissector Remote Format String

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-2005-2367?

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

Is CVE-2005-2367 being exploited?

CVE-2005-2367 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-2005-2367 affect?

CVE-2005-2367 affects ethereal. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Format string vulnerability in the proto_item_set_text function in Ethereal 0.9.4 through 0.10.11, as used in multiple dissectors, allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary memory locations and gain privileges via a crafted AFP packet.

How urgent is CVE-2005-2367?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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