CVE-2003-0257
Description
Format string vulnerability in AIX printer capability allows local users to escalate privileges to printq or root.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Format string vulnerability in AIX printer capability allows local users to escalate privileges to printq or root.
Vulnerability
A format string vulnerability exists in the printer capability of IBM AIX versions 4.3, 5.1, and 5.2. The flaw allows a local user to exploit a format string in the printer capability, potentially leading to privilege escalation.
Exploitation
An attacker with local access to the system can trigger the format string vulnerability by providing a crafted input to the printer capability. No authentication beyond local user access is required.
Impact
Successful exploitation allows the attacker to gain printq or root privileges, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation
IBM has released an advisory (MSS-OAR-E01-2003.0660.1) [1] but specific patch details are not provided in the available references. Users should apply the recommended fix from IBM or upgrade to a patched version.
AI Insight generated on May 24, 2026. Synthesized from this CVE's description and the cited reference URLs; citations are validated against the source bundle.
Affected products
7cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:4.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*+ 6 more
- cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:4.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:4.3.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:4.3.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:4.3.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:5.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:5.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- (no CPE)range: .3, 5.1, 5.2
Patches
0No patches discovered yet.
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
2News mentions
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