CVE-2005-3862: Buffer overflow in unalz before 0.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long file names in

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-3862 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting unalz. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in unalz before 0.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long file names in ALZ archives.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 3%: 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	20.4% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-11-29
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: unalz

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-11-29 11:03 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

unalz unalz DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.2 · 0.3 · 0.4 · 0.5 · 0.22 · 0.23 · 0.31 · 0.51

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison unalz sudo apt install unalz=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.2> sudo apt-mark hold unalz

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

dnf --showduplicates list unalz sudo dnf downgrade unalz-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.2> sudo dnf versionlock add unalz

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: Unalz 0.x - Archive Filename Buffer Overflow

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-2005-3862?

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

Is CVE-2005-3862 being exploited?

CVE-2005-3862 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-2005-3862 affect?

CVE-2005-3862 affects unalz. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in unalz before 0.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long file names in ALZ archives.

How urgent is CVE-2005-3862?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2006-0950 LOW 2.6 DOWNGRADE unalz 0.53 allows user-assisted attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via an ALZ archive with ".." (dot dot)

References

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