CVE-2010-3846: Array index error in the apply_rcs_change function in rcs.c in CVS 1.11.23 allows local users to gain privileg

Routine

MEDIUM 6.9DOWNGRADE

CVE-2010-3846 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.9) affecting cvs. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Array index error in the apply_rcs_change function in rcs.c in CVS 1.11.23 allows local users to gain privileges via an RCS file containing crafted delta fragment changes that trigger a heap-based buffer overflow.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.9 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2010-11-05
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: nongnu

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2010-11-05 17:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:23 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nongnu cvs DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.11.23

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.11.23

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.11.23 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cvs sudo apt install cvs=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.11.23> sudo apt-mark hold cvs

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

dnf --showduplicates list cvs sudo dnf downgrade cvs-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.11.23> sudo dnf versionlock add cvs

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-2010-3846?

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

Is CVE-2010-3846 being exploited?

CVE-2010-3846 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-2010-3846 affect?

CVE-2010-3846 affects cvs. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.9). Array index error in the apply_rcs_change function in rcs.c in CVS 1.11.23 allows local users to gain privileges via an RCS file containing crafted delta fragment changes that trigger a heap-based buffer overflow.

How urgent is CVE-2010-3846?

Priority 33/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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