CVE-2005-0468Telnet Vulnerability
Heap-based buffer overflow in the env_opt_add function in telnet.c for various BSD-based Telnet clients allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via responses that contain a large number of characters that require escaping, which consumers more memory than allocated.
Published May 2, 2005 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2005-0468, DSA-703-1, DSA-731-1
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2005-0468 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Telnet (Ncsa), krb4 (debian), krb5 (debian) and 1 more product.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 27% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including krb4 1.1-8-2.4, krb5 0:1.3.4-12, krb5 1.2.4-5woody8.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
27%
Higher than 98.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
41/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in the env_opt_add function in telnet.c for various BSD-based Telnet clients allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via responses that contain a large number of characters that require escaping, which consumers more memory than allocated.
Affected Products
17 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| TelnetNcsa | c | 1:0.17-26.EL3.2 |
| krb4debian | See advisory | 1.1-8-2.4 |
| krb5debian | See advisory | 1.3.6-2 |
| rootio-krb5rootio | See advisory | 1.3.6-2 |
Patched Releases
krb4
1.1-8-2.4
krb5
0:1.3.4-12, 1.2.4-5woody8, 1.3.6-2
rootio-krb5
1.3.6-2
Telnet
1:0.17-26.EL3.2
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 2, 2005
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
References
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2005-0468
- advisoryRHSA-2005:327
- advisoryRHSA-2005:330
- advisory20050328 Multiple Telnet Client env_opt_add() Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
- patchweb.mit.edu · MITKRB5-SA-2005-001-telnet.txt
FAQ
Common Questions.
Heap-based buffer overflow in the env_opt_add function in telnet.c for various BSD-based Telnet clients allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via responses that contain a large number of characters that require escaping, which consumers more memory than allocated.
Affected: Telnet (Ncsa) versions c; krb4 (debian); krb5 (debian), among others. 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 krb4 1.1-8-2.4, krb5 0:1.3.4-12, krb5 1.2.4-5woody8.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2005-0468 On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense matches it against the products discovered on your perimeter and opens a finding the day a CVE like this is listed.
Request A Demo