CVE-2006-0681: Format string vulnerability in powerd.c in Power Daemon (powerd) 2.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-0681 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting power daemon. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in powerd.c in Power Daemon (powerd) 2.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the WHATIDO variable.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 9%: 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	4.1% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-02-15
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: power daemon

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-02-15 00:02 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:21 UTCUpdated Record last modified

power daemon power daemon DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.0 · 2.0.0.1 · 2.0.1 · 2.0.1.1 · 2.0.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy power-daemon || rpm -q power-daemon || power-daemon --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison power-daemon sudo apt install power-daemon=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold power-daemon

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

dnf --showduplicates list power-daemon sudo dnf downgrade power-daemon-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add power-daemon

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: Power Daemon 2.0.2 - 'WHATIDO' Remote Format String

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-2006-0681?

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

Is CVE-2006-0681 being exploited?

CVE-2006-0681 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-2006-0681 affect?

CVE-2006-0681 affects power daemon. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Format string vulnerability in powerd.c in Power Daemon (powerd) 2.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the WHATIDO variable.

How urgent is CVE-2006-0681?

Priority 54/100. High severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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