CVE-2004-2552: Buffer overflow in XBoard 4.2.7 and earlier might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via a long -i...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2004-2552 is an old, disputed local issue in XBoard. The report says a long command-line option could overflow memory, but the CVE record notes XBoard is not setuid and is not normally invoked remotely, so a practical privilege-crossing attack may not exist. Exposure is most plausible on older Unix-like systems with XBoard 4.2.7 or earlier installed and local untrusted users able to run it. Modern packaged systems may not carry this exact version, but the source bundle does not confirm patched versions. Treat this as low business urgency unless legacy shared systems run affected XBoard builds. It does not indicate internet-facing exposure, active exploitation, or confirmed privilege escalation in the provided sources. Mitigation focus: Inventory systems for XBoard 4.2.7 and earlier.; Check operating-system or XBoard vendor guidance for fixed packages or official disposition.; Remove or disable old XBoard installations on shared systems with untrusted local users..

Prepared

Jun 29, 2026, 16:46 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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