How severe is CVE-2003-1023?

CVE-2003-1023 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2003-1023 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2003-1023?

CVE-2003-1023 primarily affects Midnight Commander. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2003-1023?

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

When was CVE-2003-1023 published?

CVE-2003-1023 was published on 2004-01-20 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2003-1023

CVE-2003-1023 is a high-severity vulnerability in Midnight Commander with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (91st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Midnight Commander
Published: 2004-01-20
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in vfs_s_resolve_symlink of vfs/direntry.c for Midnight Commander (mc) 4.6.0 and earlier, and possibly later versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code during symlink conversion.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2003-1023?: Stack-based buffer overflow in vfs_s_resolve_symlink of vfs/direntry.c for Midnight Commander (mc) 4.6.0 and earlier, and possibly later versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code during symlink conversion.
How severe is CVE-2003-1023?: CVE-2003-1023 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2003-1023 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2003-1023?: CVE-2003-1023 primarily affects Midnight Commander. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2003-1023?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2003-1023 published?: CVE-2003-1023 was published on 2004-01-20 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:midnight_commander:midnight_commander:4.5.52:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:midnight_commander:midnight_commander:4.5.55:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:midnight_commander:midnight_commander:4.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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