CVE-2002-0501: Format string vulnerability in log_print() function of Posadis DNS server before version m5pre2 allows local u

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0501 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting posadis. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in log_print() function of Posadis DNS server before version m5pre2 allows local users and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format strings that are inserted into logging messages.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.3% (top 30%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-08-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: posadis

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-08-12 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

posadis posadis DOWNGRADE

Affected: m5pre1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before m5pre1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before m5pre1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison posadis sudo apt install posadis=<VERSION_BEFORE_m5pre1> sudo apt-mark hold posadis

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

dnf --showduplicates list posadis sudo dnf downgrade posadis-<VERSION_BEFORE_m5pre1> sudo dnf versionlock add posadis

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-2002-0501?

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

Is CVE-2002-0501 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0501 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-2002-0501 affect?

CVE-2002-0501 affects posadis. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Format string vulnerability in log_print() function of Posadis DNS server before version m5pre2 allows local users and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format strings that are inserted into logging messages.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0501?

Priority 43/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2004-0789 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Multiple implementations of the DNS protocol, including (1) Poslib 1.0.2-1 and earlier as used by Posadis, (2)
CVE-2003-1441 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE Posadis 0.50.4 through 0.50.8 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a DNS message w

References

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