CVE-2002-0552: Multiple buffer overflows in Melange Chat server 2.02 allow remote or local attackers to cause a denial of ser

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0552 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting melange chat system. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in Melange Chat server 2.02 allow remote or local attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via (1) a long argument in the /yell command, (2) long lines in the /etc/melange.conf configuration file, (3) long file names, or possibly other attacks.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	8.6% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-07-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: melange

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

melange melange chat system DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.2_beta_2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.2_beta_2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy melange-chat-system || rpm -q melange-chat-system || melange-chat-system --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.2_beta_2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison melange-chat-system sudo apt install melange-chat-system=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.2_beta_2> sudo apt-mark hold melange-chat-system

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

dnf --showduplicates list melange-chat-system sudo dnf downgrade melange-chat-system-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.2_beta_2> sudo dnf versionlock add melange-chat-system

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: Melange Chat System 2.0.2 Beta 2 - '/yell' 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-2002-0552?

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

Is CVE-2002-0552 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0552 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-2002-0552 affect?

CVE-2002-0552 affects melange chat system. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Multiple buffer overflows in Melange Chat server 2.02 allow remote or local attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via (1) a long argument in the /yell command, (2) long lines in the /etc/melange.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0552?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2006-0917 LOW 2.1 DOWNGRADE Melange Chat Server (aka M-Chat), when accessed via a web browser, automatically sends cookies and other sensi
CVE-2002-1351 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in Melange Chat System 1.10 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (chat server

References

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