CVE-2012-0804: Heap-based buffer overflow in the proxy_connect function in src/client.c in CVS 1.11 and 1.12 allows remote HT

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-0804 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting cvs. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in the proxy_connect function in src/client.c in CVS 1.11 and 1.12 allows remote HTTP proxy servers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTTP response.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	8.4% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2012-05-29
Last modified	2026-06-16

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

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2012-05-29 20:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:38 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cvs cvs DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.11 · 1.12

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.11

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.11 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cvs sudo apt install cvs=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.11> 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> 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-2012-0804?

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

Is CVE-2012-0804 being exploited?

CVE-2012-0804 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-2012-0804 affect?

CVE-2012-0804 affects cvs. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Heap-based buffer overflow in the proxy_connect function in src/client.c in CVS 1.11 and 1.12 allows remote HTTP proxy servers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTTP response.

How urgent is CVE-2012-0804?

Priority 59/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited

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References

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