CVE-2003-1291
7.2 · HIGHVMware ESX Server 1.5.2 before Patch 4 allows local users to execute arbitrary programs as root via certain modified VMware ESX Server environment variables.
Overview
CVE-2003-1291 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting vmware esx. It was published on December 31, 2003 and has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2 (HIGH).
This vulnerability has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
Technical description
VMware ESX Server 1.5.2 before Patch 4 allows local users to execute arbitrary programs as root via certain modified VMware ESX Server environment variables.
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from vmware. Update esx to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
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References
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2003-1291?
CVE-2003-1291 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting vmware esx. It was published on December 31, 2003 and has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2 (HIGH).
How severe is CVE-2003-1291?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2003-1291?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from vmware. Update esx to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2003-1291?
CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2003-1291 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.
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