CVE-2002-0226: retrieve_password.pl in DCForum 6.x and 2000 generates predictable new passwords based on a sessionID, which a

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0226 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting dcforum. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

retrieve_password.pl in DCForum 6.x and 2000 generates predictable new passwords based on a sessionID, which allows remote attackers to request a new password on behalf of another user and use the sessionID to calculate the new password for that user.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.7% (top 22%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-05-16
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: dcscripts

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-05-16 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

dcscripts dcforum DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.0 · 6.0 · 6.21 · 2000

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison dcforum sudo apt install dcforum=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0> sudo apt-mark hold dcforum

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

dnf --showduplicates list dcforum sudo dnf downgrade dcforum-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add dcforum

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-2002-0226?

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

Is CVE-2002-0226 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0226 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-2002-0226 affect?

CVE-2002-0226 affects dcforum. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). retrieve_password.pl in DCForum 6.x and 2000 generates predictable new passwords based on a sessionID, which allows remote attackers to request a new password on behalf of another user and use the sessionID to calculate the new password for

How urgent is CVE-2002-0226?

Priority 46/100. High severity

Related CVEs

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CVE-2001-0436 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE dcboard.cgi in DCForum 2000 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by uploading a Perl prog
CVE-2000-1132 MEDIUM 6.4 DOWNGRADE DCForum cgforum.cgi CGI script allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files, and delete the program itself,

References

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