CVE-2005-2693: cvsbug in CVS 1.12.12 and earlier creates temporary files insecurely, which allows local users to overwrite ar

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-2693 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting cvs. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

cvsbug in CVS 1.12.12 and earlier creates temporary files insecurely, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and execute arbitrary code via a symlink attack.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 62%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-08-26
Last modified	2026-06-16

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

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-08-26 15:50 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:15 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cvs cvs DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.12.12

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.12.12

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.12.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cvs sudo apt install cvs=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.12.12> sudo apt-mark hold cvs

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

dnf --showduplicates list cvs sudo dnf downgrade cvs-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.12.12> sudo dnf versionlock add cvs

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-2005-2693?

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

Is CVE-2005-2693 being exploited?

CVE-2005-2693 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-2005-2693 affect?

CVE-2005-2693 affects cvs. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). cvsbug in CVS 1.12.12 and earlier creates temporary files insecurely, which allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files and execute arbitrary code via a symlink attack.

How urgent is CVE-2005-2693?

Priority 26/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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