CVE-2003-0066: The rxvt terminal emulator 2.7.8 and earlier allows attackers to modify the window title via a certain char...

Security readout for executives and security teams

A malicious file or text viewed in an affected rxvt terminal can alter the window title and place content back on the command line, potentially causing commands to run in the user's session. The business concern is mainly legacy Unix/Linux workstation or server console environments where rxvt 2.7.8 or earlier remains in use. Exposure appears limited to systems that still install and actively use rxvt 2.7.8 or earlier. Risk requires interaction with crafted terminal-displayed content, such as viewing an attacker-controlled file. Modern environments using different terminal emulators or patched distribution packages may not be affected, but inventory evidence is needed. Treat this as a legacy exposure cleanup item unless rxvt is still used in sensitive environments. It can lead to command execution in a user's session, but the available evidence indicates user interaction and no known active exploitation from the provided sources. Mitigation focus: Identify any installed rxvt packages and their exact versions.; Replace or update rxvt 2.7.8 and earlier using vendor guidance.; Review Red Hat, Mandrake, or Gentoo advisories if those distributions are relevant..

Prepared

Jun 30, 2026, 03:02 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.