CVE-2008-6520: Multiple format string vulnerabilities in the SSI filter in Xitami Web Server 2.5c2, and possibly other versio

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-6520 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting xitami. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple format string vulnerabilities in the SSI filter in Xitami Web Server 2.5c2, and possibly other versions, allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a URI that ends in (1) .ssi, (2) .shtm, or (3) .shtml, which triggers incorrect logging code involving the sendfmt function in the SMT kernel.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	4.9% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-134
Published	2009-03-25
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: imatix

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-03-25 18:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

imatix xitami DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.5c2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.5c2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.5c2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xitami sudo apt install xitami=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5c2> sudo apt-mark hold xitami

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

dnf --showduplicates list xitami sudo dnf downgrade xitami-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5c2> sudo dnf versionlock add xitami

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-2008-6520?

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

Is CVE-2008-6520 being exploited?

CVE-2008-6520 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-2008-6520 affect?

CVE-2008-6520 affects xitami. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Multiple format string vulnerabilities in the SSI filter in Xitami Web Server 2.5c2, and possibly other versions, allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via format string speci

How urgent is CVE-2008-6520?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2008-6519 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Format string vulnerability in Xitami Web Server 2.2a through 2.5c2, and possibly other versions, allows remot

References

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