CVE-2002-0289: Buffer overflow in Phusion web server 1.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and execute arb

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MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0289 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting phusion webserver. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Phusion web server 1.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP request.

Why this priority

EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	13.0% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-05-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: bbshareware.com

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-05-31 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

bbshareware.com phusion webserver DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy phusion-webserver || rpm -q phusion-webserver || phusion-webserver --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison phusion-webserver sudo apt install phusion-webserver=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold phusion-webserver

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

dnf --showduplicates list phusion-webserver sudo dnf downgrade phusion-webserver-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add phusion-webserver

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Phusion WebServer 1.0 - Long URL Denial of Service
Exploit-DB: Phusion WebServer 1.0 - 'URL' Remote Buffer Overflow

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-2002-0289?

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

Is CVE-2002-0289 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0289 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-2002-0289 affect?

CVE-2002-0289 affects phusion webserver. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). Buffer overflow in Phusion web server 1.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP request.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0289?

Priority 47/100. EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-0288 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Directory traversal vulnerability in Phusion web server 1.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files vi

References

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