Description
Integer overflow in the TCP stream reassembly module (stream4) for Snort 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via large sequence numbers in packets, which enable a heap-based buffer overflow.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 3.0 | snort | 1.8.4beta1-3.1 | DSA-297 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- Snort 1.9.1 - 'p7snort191.sh' Remote Command Execution EDB-18 · remote · Apr 23, 2003 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-297 snort - integer overflow, buffer overflow Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 20030422 GLSA: snort (200304-05) mailing-list
- 7178 vdb-entry
- CA-2003-13 third-party-advisory
- 20030415 CORE-2003-0307: Snort TCP Stream Reassembly Integer Overflow Vulnerability mailing-list
- ESA-20030430-013 vendor-advisory
- VU#139129 third-party-advisory
- DSA-297 vendor-advisory
- 20030423 Snort <=1.9.1 exploit mailing-list
- MDKSA-2003:052 vendor-advisory
- http://www.coresecurity.com/common/showdoc.php?idx=313&idxseccion=10
- 20030428 GLSA: snort (200304-06) mailing-list