CVE-2004-2264

What it is

Format string bug in the open_altfile function in filename.c for GNU less 382, 381, and 358 might allow local users to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via format strings in the LESSOPEN environment variable. NOTE: since less is not setuid or setgid, then this is not a vulnerability unless there are plausible scenarios under which privilege boundaries could be crossed

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

2.0% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2004-12-31 05:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:09 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.0% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.4 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2004-12-31 05:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:09 UTC

Exploit probability

2.0% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnu Less 358
• Gnu Less 381
• Gnu Less 382

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 6.4

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Partial

Availability

Partial

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.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2004-2264.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2004-2264. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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