CVE-2003-0972

What it is

Integer signedness error in ansi.c for GNU screen 4.0.1 and earlier, and 3.9.15 and earlier, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a large number of ";" (semicolon) characters in escape sequences, which leads to a buffer overflow.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

3.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2003-12-15 05:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:03 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 3.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 10.0 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2003-12-15 05:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:03 UTC

Exploit probability

3.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnu Screen 3.9.4
• Gnu Screen 3.9.8
• Gnu Screen 3.9.9
• Gnu Screen 3.9.10
• Gnu Screen 3.9.11
• Gnu Screen 3.9.13
• Gnu Screen 3.9.15
• Gnu Screen 4.0.1

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 10.0

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Complete

Integrity

Complete

Availability

Complete

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

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