HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2003-0853
MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2003-0853

NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: November 17, 2003· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

5.0
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

An integer overflow in ls in the fileutils or coreutils packages may allow local users to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code via a large -w value, which could be remotely exploited via applications that use ls, such as wu-ftpd.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2003-0853 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.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2003-0853. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityP
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P

Affected Vendors & Products

gnu1 product(s)
fileutils
wu-ftpd
Source: NVD CPE · 26 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

All References (26)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2003-0853
CVSS Score5.0 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedNov 17, 2003

Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2003-0853 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.