CVE-2002-0131: ActivePython ActiveX control for Python in the AXScript package, when used in Internet Explorer, does not prev

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MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0131 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting activepython. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ActivePython ActiveX control for Python in the AXScript package, when used in Internet Explorer, does not prevent a script from reading files from the client's filesystem, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a malicious web page containing Python script.

Why this priority

EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	6.6% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-03-25
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: activestate

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-03-25 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

activestate activepython DOWNGRADE

Affected: all versions · 2.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy activepython || rpm -q activepython || activepython --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison activepython sudo apt install activepython=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1> sudo apt-mark hold activepython

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list activepython sudo dnf downgrade activepython-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.1> sudo dnf versionlock add activepython

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2002-0131?

activepython: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-0131 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0131 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2002-0131 affect?

CVE-2002-0131 affects activepython. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). ActivePython ActiveX control for Python in the AXScript package, when used in Internet Explorer, does not prevent a script from reading files from the client's filesystem, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a maliciou

How urgent is CVE-2002-0131?

Priority 41/100. EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities · Internet Explorer vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2012-5379 HIGH 7.3 DOWNGRADE Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installation functionality in ActivePython 3.2.2.3, when installed

References

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