CVE-2007-5839: The e_hostname function in commands.c in BitchX 1.1a allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a sym

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2007-5839 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting bitchx. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The e_hostname function in commands.c in BitchX 1.1a allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files when using the (1) HOSTNAME or (2) IRCHOST command.

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	0.4% (top 68%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2007-11-06
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: bitchx

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2007-11-06 19:46 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

bitchx bitchx DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1a

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1a

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1a (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison bitchx sudo apt install bitchx=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1a> sudo apt-mark hold bitchx

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

dnf --showduplicates list bitchx sudo dnf downgrade bitchx-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1a> sudo dnf versionlock add bitchx

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-2007-5839?

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

Is CVE-2007-5839 being exploited?

CVE-2007-5839 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-2007-5839 affect?

CVE-2007-5839 affects bitchx. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). The e_hostname function in commands.c in BitchX 1.1a allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on temporary files when using the (1) HOSTNAME or (2) IRCHOST command.

How urgent is CVE-2007-5839?

Priority 24/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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