CVE-2004-0390

SCO OpenServer <5.0.8 - Auth Bypass

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2004-0390. PoCs published by Richard Johnson.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This exploit leverages insufficient xhost access control in OpenServer's X Window System to execute commands as root. By setting the DISPLAY environment variable and using the tellxdt3 program, a local user can escalate privileges.

Description

SCO OpenServer 5.0.5 through 5.0.7 only supports Xauthority style access control when users log in using scologin, which allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to an X session via other X login methods.

Exploits (1)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Richard Johnson · textlocalsco
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/20851

This exploit leverages insufficient xhost access control in OpenServer's X Window System to execute commands as root. By setting the DISPLAY environment variable and using the tellxdt3 program, a local user can escalate privileges.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: OpenServer (X Window System)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Local access to the system · X Window System running via xhost script
mistral-large-3 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (3)

Core 3
Core References
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_xf
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/16113
Third Party Advisory mailing-list x_refsource_fulldisc
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2004-05/0424.html
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vendor-advisory x_refsource_sco
http://www.securityfocus.com/advisories/6684

Scores

EPSS 0.0258
EPSS Percentile 83.4%

Details

Status published
Products (3)
sco/openserver 5.0.5
sco/openserver 5.0.6
sco/openserver 5.0.7
Published Dec 31, 2004
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026