PatchTheCVECVE-2023-40303: GNU inetutils before 2.5 may allow privilege escalation because of unchecked return values of set*id() family
CVE-2023-40303 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting inetutils. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
GNU inetutils before 2.5 may allow privilege escalation because of unchecked return values of set*id() family functions in ftpd, rcp, rlogin, rsh, rshd, and uucpd. This is, for example, relevant if the setuid system call fails when a process is trying to drop privileges before letting an ordinary user control the activities of the process.
Why this priority
- High severity
- Public exploit reference
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.4% (top 65%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-252 |
| Published | 2023-08-14 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2023-40303?
inetutils: upgrade to newer than 2.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2023-40303 being exploited?
CVE-2023-40303 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-2023-40303 affect?
CVE-2023-40303 affects inetutils. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). GNU inetutils before 2.5 may allow privilege escalation because of unchecked return values of set*id() family functions in ftpd, rcp, rlogin, rsh, rshd, and uucpd. This is, for example, relevant if the setuid system call fails when a proces
How urgent is CVE-2023-40303?
Priority 41/100. High severity; Public exploit reference
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