CVE-2004-1189

CVE-2004-1189 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mit Kerberos 5 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-787.

Key facts

Description

The add_to_history function in svr_principal.c in libkadm5srv for MIT Kerberos 5 (krb5) up to 1.3.5, when performing a password change, does not properly track the password policy's history count and the maximum number of keys, which can cause an array index out-of-bounds error and may allow authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a heap-based buffer overflow.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2004-1189?
The add_to_history function in svr_principal.c in libkadm5srv for MIT Kerberos 5 (krb5) up to 1.3.5, when performing a password change, does not properly track the password policy's history count and the maximum number of keys, which can cause an array index out-of-bounds error and may allow authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a heap-based buffer overflow.
How severe is CVE-2004-1189?
CVE-2004-1189 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2004-1189 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (50th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2004-1189?
CVE-2004-1189 affects Mit Kerberos 5. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2004-1189?
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-2004-1189 published?
CVE-2004-1189 was published on 2004-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

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