CVE-2006-0224: Buffer overflow in Library of Assorted Spiffy Things (LibAST) 0.6.1 and earlier, as used in Eterm and possibly

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-0224 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting libast. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Library of Assorted Spiffy Things (LibAST) 0.6.1 and earlier, as used in Eterm and possibly other software, allows local users to execute arbitrary code as the utmp user via a long -X command line argument (alternative configuration file name).

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 45%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-01-25
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: libast

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-01-25 02:03 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:20 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libast libast DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.4 · 0.5 · 0.6 · 0.6.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.4

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libast sudo apt install libast=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.4> sudo apt-mark hold libast

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

dnf --showduplicates list libast sudo dnf downgrade libast-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.4> sudo dnf versionlock add libast

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-2006-0224?

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

Is CVE-2006-0224 being exploited?

CVE-2006-0224 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-2006-0224 affect?

CVE-2006-0224 affects libast. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Buffer overflow in Library of Assorted Spiffy Things (LibAST) 0.6.1 and earlier, as used in Eterm and possibly other software, allows local users to execute arbitrary code as the utmp user via a long -X command line argument (alternative co

How urgent is CVE-2006-0224?

Priority 35/100. Public exploit reference

References

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