CVE-2004-2698: Race condition in IMWheel 1.0.0pre11 and earlier, when running with the -k option, allows local users to ca...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2004-2698 is an old local flaw in IMWheel. If vulnerable versions run with the -k option, a local user may crash IMWheel and may be able to alter files through a predictable pid-file race. This is mainly a legacy host hardening issue, not an internet-facing emergency from the provided evidence. Exposure is most likely on legacy Unix/Linux systems with IMWheel 1.0.0pre11 or earlier installed and invoked with -k. Risk depends on local account access and filesystem permissions. The provided sources do not indicate remote attack surface. Treat as a moderate-priority legacy endpoint cleanup item. Prioritize shared systems, bastions, labs, and desktops where untrusted local users exist. It should not outrank remotely exploitable or actively exploited vulnerabilities based on this evidence. Mitigation focus: Inventory systems for IMWheel and identify versions at or before 1.0.0pre11.; Check whether IMWheel is launched with the -k option.; Avoid using -k where operationally feasible until vendor guidance is confirmed..

Prepared

Jun 29, 2026, 02:45 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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