Executive Summary

Format string vulnerability in the top utility allows local attackers to exploit the kill or renice functions, enabling privilege escalation to root. This flaw can be triggered by a local user with access to top, potentially compromising the entire system.

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Authoritative CVE Metadata - CVSS Base Score: 7.2 (HIGH) - Published: 2000-12-11T05:00:00.000 - Last Modified: 2026-09-23T10:10:00.673

Original Description: Format string vulnerability in top program allows local attackers to gain root privileges via the "kill" or "renice" function.

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