CVE-2002-0333: Directory traversal vulnerability in xtell (xtelld) 1.91.1 and earlier, and 2.x before 2.7, allows remote atta

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MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0333 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting xtell. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Directory traversal vulnerability in xtell (xtelld) 1.91.1 and earlier, and 2.x before 2.7, allows remote attackers to read files with short names, and local users to read more files using a symlink with a short name, via a .. in the TTY argument.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	2.6% (top 14%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-06-25
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xtell

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-06-25 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xtell xtell DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.91.1 · 2.6.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.91.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.91.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xtell sudo apt install xtell=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.91.1> sudo apt-mark hold xtell

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

dnf --showduplicates list xtell sudo dnf downgrade xtell-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.91.1> sudo dnf versionlock add xtell

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: xtell 2.6.1 - User Status Remote Information Disclosure

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-2002-0333?

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

Is CVE-2002-0333 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0333 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-2002-0333 affect?

CVE-2002-0333 affects xtell. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). Directory traversal vulnerability in xtell (xtelld) 1.91.1 and earlier, and 2.x before 2.7, allows remote attackers to read files with short names, and local users to read more files using a symlink with a short name, via a .. in the TTY ar

How urgent is CVE-2002-0333?

Priority 44/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-0334 LOW 2.1 DOWNGRADE xtell (xtelld) 1.91.1 and earlier, and 2.x before 2.7, allows local users to modify files via a symlink attack
CVE-2002-0332 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflows in xtell (xtelld) 1.91.1 and earlier, and 2.x before 2.7, allows remote attackers to execute

References

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