CVE-2012-0219: Heap-based buffer overflow in the xioscan_readline function in xio-readline.c in socat 1.4.0.0 through 1.7.2.0

Routine

MEDIUM 6.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-0219 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.2) affecting socat. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in the xioscan_readline function in xio-readline.c in socat 1.4.0.0 through 1.7.2.0 and 2.0.0-b1 through 2.0.0-b4 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via the READLINE address.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.2 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 60%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2012-06-21
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Debian GNU/Linux · Vendor: dest-unreach

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2012-06-21 15:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:36 UTCUpdated Record last modified

dest-unreach socat DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.4.0.0 · 1.4.0.1 · 1.4.0.2 · 1.4.0.3 · 1.4.1.0 · 1.4.2.0 · 1.4.3.1 · 1.5.0.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.4.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.4.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison socat sudo apt install socat=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold socat

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

dnf --showduplicates list socat sudo dnf downgrade socat-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add socat

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-2012-0219?

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

Is CVE-2012-0219 being exploited?

CVE-2012-0219 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-2012-0219 affect?

CVE-2012-0219 affects socat. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.2). Heap-based buffer overflow in the xioscan_readline function in xio-readline.c in socat 1.4.0.0 through 1.7.2.0 and 2.0.0-b1 through 2.0.0-b4 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via the READLINE address.

How urgent is CVE-2012-0219?

Priority 37/100. On your watchlist

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References

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