CVE-2004-0541
CriticalPublic exploitBuffer overflow in the ntlm_check_auth (NTLM authentication) function for Squid Web Proxy Cache 2.5.x and 3.x, when compiled with NTLM handlers enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long password ("pass" variable).
Published Aug 6, 2004 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2004-0541
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2004-0541 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v2) affecting Squid Web Proxy Cache (National Science Foundation), squid (debian).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 71% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including squid 2.5.5-5, squid 7:2.5.STABLE3-6.3E.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v2
10.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
71%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Buffer overflow in the ntlm_check_auth (NTLM authentication) function for Squid Web Proxy Cache 2.5.x and 3.x, when compiled with NTLM handlers enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long password ("pass" variable).
Affected Products
14 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Squid Web Proxy CacheNational Science Foundation | 2.5_stable, 3_pre | n/a |
| squiddebian | See advisory | 2.5.5-5 |
Patched Releases
squid
2.5.5-5, 7:2.5.STABLE3-6.3E
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 6, 2004
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
References
- advisoryRHSA-2004:242
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2004-0541
- advisory2004-0033
- patchGLSA-200406-13
- patchhttp://www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=107&type=vulnerabilities
FAQ
Common Questions.
Buffer overflow in the ntlm_check_auth (NTLM authentication) function for Squid Web Proxy Cache 2.5.x and 3.x, when compiled with NTLM handlers enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long password ("pass" variable).
Affected: Squid Web Proxy Cache (National Science Foundation) versions 2.5_stable, 3_pre; squid (debian). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including squid 2.5.5-5, squid 7:2.5.STABLE3-6.3E.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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