CVE-2005-4581: Buffer overflow in Electric Sheep 2.6.3 client allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long window-

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-4581 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting electric sheep. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Electric Sheep 2.6.3 client allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long window-id parameter. NOTE: because the program is not setuid and not normally called from remote programs, there may not be a typical attack vector for the issue that crosses privilege boundaries. Therefore this may not be a vulnerability.

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	0.5% (top 59%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-12-29
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: scott draves

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-12-29 11:03 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:19 UTCUpdated Record last modified

scott draves electric sheep DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.6.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.6.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy electric-sheep || rpm -q electric-sheep || electric-sheep --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.6.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison electric-sheep sudo apt install electric-sheep=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.3> sudo apt-mark hold electric-sheep

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

dnf --showduplicates list electric-sheep sudo dnf downgrade electric-sheep-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.3> sudo dnf versionlock add electric-sheep

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-2005-4581?

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

Is CVE-2005-4581 being exploited?

CVE-2005-4581 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-2005-4581 affect?

CVE-2005-4581 affects electric sheep. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Buffer overflow in Electric Sheep 2.6.3 client allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long window-id parameter. NOTE: because the program is not setuid and not normally called from remote programs, there may not be a typical att

How urgent is CVE-2005-4581?

Priority 26/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2005-4582 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Electric Sheep 2.6.3 does not require authentication or integrity checks from the server to the client, which

References

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