CVE-2019-19601: OpenDetex 2.8.5 has a Buffer Overflow in TexOpen in detex.l because of an incorrect sprintf.

This month

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2019-19601 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting opendetex. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenDetex 2.8.5 has a Buffer Overflow in TexOpen in detex.l because of an incorrect sprintf.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.2% (top 31%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2019-12-05
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: opendetex project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-12-05 13:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:26 UTCUpdated Record last modified

opendetex project opendetex DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.8.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.8.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.8.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison opendetex sudo apt install opendetex=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.8.5> sudo apt-mark hold opendetex

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

dnf --showduplicates list opendetex sudo dnf downgrade opendetex-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.8.5> sudo dnf versionlock add opendetex

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-2019-19601?

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

Is CVE-2019-19601 being exploited?

CVE-2019-19601 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-2019-19601 affect?

CVE-2019-19601 affects opendetex. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). OpenDetex 2.8.5 has a Buffer Overflow in TexOpen in detex.l because of an incorrect sprintf.

How urgent is CVE-2019-19601?

Priority 49/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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