CVE-2011-0487: ICQ 7 does not verify the authenticity of updates, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitra

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HIGH 9.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2011-0487 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting icq. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ICQ 7 does not verify the authenticity of updates, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file that is fetched through an automatic-update mechanism.

Why this priority

Critical severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.5% (top 15%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2011-01-18
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: icq

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2011-01-18 18:03 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:27 UTCUpdated Record last modified

icq icq DOWNGRADE

Affected: 7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison icq sudo apt install icq=<VERSION_BEFORE_7> sudo apt-mark hold icq

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

dnf --showduplicates list icq sudo dnf downgrade icq-<VERSION_BEFORE_7> sudo dnf versionlock add icq

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-2011-0487?

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

Is CVE-2011-0487 being exploited?

CVE-2011-0487 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-2011-0487 affect?

CVE-2011-0487 affects icq. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). ICQ 7 does not verify the authenticity of updates, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file that is fetched through an automatic-update mechanism.

How urgent is CVE-2011-0487?

Priority 54/100. Critical severity

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References

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