How severe is CVE-2003-0431?

CVE-2003-0431 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2003-0431 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2003-0431?

CVE-2003-0431 affects Ethereal Group Ethereal. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2003-0431?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2003-0431 published?

CVE-2003-0431 was published on 2003-07-24 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2003-0431

CVE-2003-0431 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Ethereal Group Ethereal with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (81st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Ethereal Group Ethereal
Published: 2003-07-24
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The tvb_get_nstringz0 function in Ethereal 0.9.12 and earlier does not properly handle a zero-length buffer size, with unknown consequences.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2003-0431?: The tvb_get_nstringz0 function in Ethereal 0.9.12 and earlier does not properly handle a zero-length buffer size, with unknown consequences.
How severe is CVE-2003-0431?: CVE-2003-0431 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2003-0431 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2003-0431?: CVE-2003-0431 affects Ethereal Group Ethereal. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2003-0431?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2003-0431 published?: CVE-2003-0431 was published on 2003-07-24 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:ethereal_group:ethereal:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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