CVE-2002-0537: The admin.html file in StepWeb Search Engine (SWS) 2.5 stores passwords in links to manager.pl, which allows r

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0537 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting sws. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The admin.html file in StepWeb Search Engine (SWS) 2.5 stores passwords in links to manager.pl, which allows remote attackers who can access the admin.html file to gain administrative privileges to SWS.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.1% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-07-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: stepweb

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-07-03 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

stepweb sws DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison sws sudo apt install sws=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5> sudo apt-mark hold sws

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

dnf --showduplicates list sws sudo dnf downgrade sws-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.5> sudo dnf versionlock add sws

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-2002-0537?

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

Is CVE-2002-0537 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0537 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-2002-0537 affect?

CVE-2002-0537 affects sws. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). The admin.html file in StepWeb Search Engine (SWS) 2.5 stores passwords in links to manager.pl, which allows remote attackers who can access the admin.html file to gain administrative privileges to SWS.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0537?

Priority 62/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference

References

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