CVE-2006-1744: Buffer overflow in pl_main.c in sail in BSDgames before 2.17-7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code vi

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-1744 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting bsdgames. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in pl_main.c in sail in BSDgames before 2.17-7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long player name that is used in a scanf function call.

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 57%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-04-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: joey hess

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-04-12 22:02 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:23 UTCUpdated Record last modified

joey hess bsdgames DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.9 · 2.12 · 2.13 · 2.14 · 2.17

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.9

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.9 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison bsdgames sudo apt install bsdgames=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.9> sudo apt-mark hold bsdgames

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

dnf --showduplicates list bsdgames sudo dnf downgrade bsdgames-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.9> sudo dnf versionlock add bsdgames

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-2006-1744?

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

Is CVE-2006-1744 being exploited?

CVE-2006-1744 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-2006-1744 affect?

CVE-2006-1744 affects bsdgames. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Buffer overflow in pl_main.c in sail in BSDgames before 2.17-7 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long player name that is used in a scanf function call.

How urgent is CVE-2006-1744?

Priority 27/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

← Back to latest CVEs