How severe is CVE-2003-1161?

CVE-2003-1161 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2003-1161 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2003-1161?

CVE-2003-1161 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2003-1161?

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-2003-1161 published?

CVE-2003-1161 was published on 2003-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2003-1161

CVE-2003-1161 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. 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 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (38th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
Published: 2003-12-31
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

exit.c in Linux kernel 2.6-test9-CVS, as stored on kernel.bkbits.net, was modified to contain a backdoor, which could allow local users to elevate their privileges by passing __WCLONE|__WALL to the sys_wait4 function.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2003-1161?: exit.c in Linux kernel 2.6-test9-CVS, as stored on kernel.bkbits.net, was modified to contain a backdoor, which could allow local users to elevate their privileges by passing __WCLONE|__WALL to the sys_wait4 function.
How severe is CVE-2003-1161?: CVE-2003-1161 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2003-1161 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2003-1161?: CVE-2003-1161 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2003-1161?: 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-2003-1161 published?: CVE-2003-1161 was published on 2003-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6_test9_cvs:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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