CVE-2006-1078: Multiple buffer overflows in htpasswd, as used in Acme thttpd 2.25b, and possibly other products such as Apach

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HIGH 8.4DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-1078 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.4) affecting thttpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in htpasswd, as used in Acme thttpd 2.25b, and possibly other products such as Apache, might allow local users to gain privileges via (1) a long command line argument and (2) a long line in a file. NOTE: since htpasswd is normally installed as a non-setuid program, and the exploit is through command line options, perhaps this issue should not be included in CVE. However, if there are some typical or recommended configu

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.4 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 55%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-03-09
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: acme labs

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-03-09 00:02 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:21 UTCUpdated Record last modified

acme labs thttpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.25b

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.25b

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.25b (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison thttpd sudo apt install thttpd=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.25b> sudo apt-mark hold thttpd

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

dnf --showduplicates list thttpd sudo dnf downgrade thttpd-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.25b> sudo dnf versionlock add thttpd

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-2006-1078?

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

Is CVE-2006-1078 being exploited?

CVE-2006-1078 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-2006-1078 affect?

CVE-2006-1078 affects thttpd. Severity is high (CVSS 8.4). Multiple buffer overflows in htpasswd, as used in Acme thttpd 2.25b, and possibly other products such as Apache, might allow local users to gain privileges via (1) a long command line argument and (2) a long line in a file. NOTE: since htp

How urgent is CVE-2006-1078?

Priority 41/100. High severity

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References

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