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

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-4582 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting electric sheep. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Electric Sheep 2.6.3 does not require authentication or integrity checks from the server to the client, which allows remote attackers to download and display arbitrary MPEG movie files via (1) DNS spoofing, (2) a URL on the command line, or (3) a URL in the configuration file. NOTE: the same attack vectors apply to common web browsers that are able to communicate with untrusted web servers, and other problems related to DNS design issues. Theref

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.7% (top 23%)
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-2005-4582?

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

Is CVE-2005-4582 being exploited?

CVE-2005-4582 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-2005-4582 affect?

CVE-2005-4582 affects electric sheep. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Electric Sheep 2.6.3 does not require authentication or integrity checks from the server to the client, which allows remote attackers to download and display arbitrary MPEG movie files via (1) DNS spoofing, (2) a URL on the command line, or

How urgent is CVE-2005-4582?

Priority 45/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2005-4581 MEDIUM 4.6 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in Electric Sheep 2.6.3 client allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long window-

References

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