HIGH
CVE-2003-0081
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: March 18, 2003· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
7.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Format string vulnerability in packet-socks.c of the SOCKS dissector for Ethereal 0.8.7 through 0.9.9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via SOCKS packets containing format string specifiers.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2003-0081 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityP
IntegrityP
AvailabilityP
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
ethereal_group1 product(s)
ethereal
Source: NVD CPE · 11 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (26)
→
http://www.debian.org/security/2003/dsa-258Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.ethereal.com/appnotes/enpa-sa-00008.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory · URL Repurposed
→
http://www.guninski.com/etherre.htmlExploit · Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/7049Patch · Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2003-0081
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedMar 18, 2003
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2003-0081 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.