CVE-2008-6252: Stack-based buffer overflow in the smc program in smcFanControl 2.1.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-6252 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting smcfancontrol. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the smc program in smcFanControl 2.1.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code and gain privileges via a long -k option.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.3% (top 29%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2009-02-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: smcfancontrol

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-02-24 18:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

smcfancontrol smcfancontrol DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.1.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.1.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.1.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison smcfancontrol sudo apt install smcfancontrol=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1.2> sudo apt-mark hold smcfancontrol

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

dnf --showduplicates list smcfancontrol sudo dnf downgrade smcfancontrol-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1.2> sudo dnf versionlock add smcfancontrol

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: smcFanControl 2.1.2 (OSX) - Multiple Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities (PoC)

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-2008-6252?

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

Is CVE-2008-6252 being exploited?

CVE-2008-6252 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-2008-6252 affect?

CVE-2008-6252 affects smcfancontrol. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Stack-based buffer overflow in the smc program in smcFanControl 2.1.2 allows local users to execute arbitrary code and gain privileges via a long -k option.

How urgent is CVE-2008-6252?

Priority 48/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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