CVE-2006-4493: xbiff2 1.9 creates $HOME/.xbiff2rc in a user's home directory with insecure file permissions, which allows loc

Routine

LOW 2.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-4493 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting xbiff2. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

xbiff2 1.9 creates $HOME/.xbiff2rc in a user's home directory with insecure file permissions, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information such as login credentials. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained from third party information.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 73%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-08-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xbiff2

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-08-31 22:04 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:29 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xbiff2 xbiff2 DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.9

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.9

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy xbiff2 || rpm -q xbiff2 || xbiff2 --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.9 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xbiff2 sudo apt install xbiff2=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.9> sudo apt-mark hold xbiff2

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

dnf --showduplicates list xbiff2 sudo dnf downgrade xbiff2-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.9> sudo dnf versionlock add xbiff2

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-2006-4493?

xbiff2: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2006-4493 being exploited?

CVE-2006-4493 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-2006-4493 affect?

CVE-2006-4493 affects xbiff2. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). xbiff2 1.9 creates $HOME/.xbiff2rc in a user's home directory with insecure file permissions, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information such as login credentials. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the deta

How urgent is CVE-2006-4493?

Priority 14/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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