CVE-2005-1918

What it is

The original patch for a GNU tar directory traversal vulnerability (CVE-2002-0399) in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 and 2.1 uses an "incorrect optimization" that allows user-assisted attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via a crafted tar file, probably involving "/../" sequences with a leading "/".

At a glance

Exploitability

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

Exploit odds

2.9% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2005-12-31 05:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:13 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 2.6 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2005-12-31 05:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:13 UTC

Exploit probability

2.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-22 · Path traversal

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnu Tar 1.13.25
• Redhat Enterprise Linux 2.1
• Redhat Enterprise Linux 3.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop 3.0
• Redhat Linux Advanced Workstation 2.1

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 2.6

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Partial

Availability

None

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-2005-1918.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2005-1918. 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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