CVE-2005-3373: Multiple interpretation error in Dr.Web 4.32b allows remote attackers to bypass virus scanning via a file such

Routine

MEDIUM 5.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-3373 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.1) affecting dr.web antivirus. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple interpretation error in Dr.Web 4.32b allows remote attackers to bypass virus scanning via a file such as BAT, HTML, and EML with an "MZ" magic byte sequence which is normally associated with EXE, which causes the file to be treated as a safe type that could still be executed as a dangerous file type by applications on the end system, as demonstrated by a "triple headed" program that contains EXE, EML, and HTML content, aka the "magic byt

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.1 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.4% (top 28%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-10-30
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: dr.web

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-10-30 14:34 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:16 UTCUpdated Record last modified

dr.web dr.web antivirus DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.32b

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.32b

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy dr.web-antivirus || rpm -q dr.web-antivirus || dr.web-antivirus --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.32b (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison dr.web-antivirus sudo apt install dr.web-antivirus=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.32b> sudo apt-mark hold dr.web-antivirus

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

dnf --showduplicates list dr.web-antivirus sudo dnf downgrade dr.web-antivirus-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.32b> sudo dnf versionlock add dr.web-antivirus

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-2005-3373?

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

Is CVE-2005-3373 being exploited?

CVE-2005-3373 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-2005-3373 affect?

CVE-2005-3373 affects dr.web antivirus. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.1). Multiple interpretation error in Dr.Web 4.32b allows remote attackers to bypass virus scanning via a file such as BAT, HTML, and EML with an "MZ" magic byte sequence which is normally associated with EXE, which causes the file to be treated

How urgent is CVE-2005-3373?

Priority 36/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2012-1454 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE The ELF file parser in Dr.Web 5.0.2.03300, eSafe 7.0.17.0, McAfee Gateway (formerly Webwasher) 2010.1C, Rising
CVE-2012-1453 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE The CAB file parser in Dr.Web 5.0.2.03300, Trend Micro HouseCall 9.120.0.1004, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0.0.125,
CVE-2012-1447 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE The ELF file parser in Fortinet Antivirus 4.2.254.0, eSafe 7.0.17.0, Dr.Web 5.0.2.03300, and Panda Antivirus 1
CVE-2005-3218 MEDIUM 5.1 MITIGATE Multiple interpretation error in unspecified versions of Dr.Web Antivirus allows remote attackers to bypass vi

References

← Back to latest CVEs