CVE-2007-0650: Buffer overflow in the open_sty function in mkind.c for makeindex 2.14 in teTeX might allow user-assisted remo

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MEDIUM 6.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2007-0650 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting makeindex. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in the open_sty function in mkind.c for makeindex 2.14 in teTeX might allow user-assisted remote attackers to overwrite files and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long filename. NOTE: other overflows exist but might not be exploitable, such as a heap-based overflow in the check_idx function.

Why this priority

EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	4.2% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2007-02-01
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: makeindex

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2007-02-01 19:28 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:36 UTCUpdated Record last modified

makeindex makeindex DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.14

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.14

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.14 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison makeindex sudo apt install makeindex=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.14> sudo apt-mark hold makeindex

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

dnf --showduplicates list makeindex sudo dnf downgrade makeindex-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.14> sudo dnf versionlock add makeindex

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-2007-0650?

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

Is CVE-2007-0650 being exploited?

CVE-2007-0650 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-2007-0650 affect?

CVE-2007-0650 affects makeindex. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). Buffer overflow in the open_sty function in mkind.c for makeindex 2.14 in teTeX might allow user-assisted remote attackers to overwrite files and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long filename. NOTE: other overflows exist but might no

How urgent is CVE-2007-0650?

Priority 47/100. EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

References

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