CVE-2015-2831: Buffer overflow in das_watchdog 0.9.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code with root privileges via a

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2015-2831 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting das watchdog. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in das_watchdog 0.9.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code with root privileges via a large string in the XAUTHORITY environment variable.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 59%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2015-04-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: das watchdog project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2015-04-14 18:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:24 UTCUpdated Record last modified

das watchdog project das watchdog DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy das-watchdog || rpm -q das-watchdog || das-watchdog --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison das-watchdog sudo apt install das-watchdog=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.0> sudo apt-mark hold das-watchdog

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

dnf --showduplicates list das-watchdog sudo dnf downgrade das-watchdog-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.0> sudo dnf versionlock add das-watchdog

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-2015-2831?

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

Is CVE-2015-2831 being exploited?

CVE-2015-2831 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-2015-2831 affect?

CVE-2015-2831 affects das watchdog. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in das_watchdog 0.9.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code with root privileges via a large string in the XAUTHORITY environment variable.

How urgent is CVE-2015-2831?

Priority 36/100. High severity

References

← Back to latest CVEs