CVE-2005-2963: The mod_auth_shadow module 1.0 through 1.5 and 2.0 for Apache with AuthShadow enabled uses shadow authenticati

This month

HIGH 7.5WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-2963 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting mod auth shadow. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The mod_auth_shadow module 1.0 through 1.5 and 2.0 for Apache with AuthShadow enabled uses shadow authentication for all locations that use the require group directive, even when other authentication mechanisms are specified, which might allow remote authenticated users to bypass security restrictions.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.4% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-10-13
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Debian GNU/Linux · Vendor: mod auth shadow

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-10-13 21:02 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:15 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mod auth shadow mod auth shadow DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0 · 1.1 · 1.2 · 1.3 · 1.4 · 1.5 · 2.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mod-auth-shadow || rpm -q mod-auth-shadow || mod-auth-shadow --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mod-auth-shadow sudo apt install mod-auth-shadow=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold mod-auth-shadow

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

dnf --showduplicates list mod-auth-shadow sudo dnf downgrade mod-auth-shadow-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add mod-auth-shadow

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-2005-2963?

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

Is CVE-2005-2963 being exploited?

CVE-2005-2963 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-2005-2963 affect?

CVE-2005-2963 affects mod auth shadow. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The mod_auth_shadow module 1.0 through 1.5 and 2.0 for Apache with AuthShadow enabled uses shadow authentication for all locations that use the require group directive, even when other authentication mechanisms are specified, which might al

How urgent is CVE-2005-2963?

Priority 52/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2004-0041 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE The mod_auth_shadow module 1.4 and earlier does not properly enforce the expiration of a user account and pass

References

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