CVE-2002-0653: Off-by-one buffer overflow in the ssl_compat_directive function, as called by the rewrite_command hook for mod

Q: How do I fix CVE-2002-0653?

mod ssl: upgrade to newer than 2.8.9. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2002-0653 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0653 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2002-0653 affect?

CVE-2002-0653 affects mod ssl. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Off-by-one buffer overflow in the ssl_compat_directive function, as called by the rewrite_command hook for mod_ssl Apache module 2.8.9 and earlier, allows local users to execute arbitrary code as the Apache server user via .htaccess files w

Q: How urgent is CVE-2002-0653?

Priority 49/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2002-0653 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting mod ssl. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Off-by-one buffer overflow in the ssl_compat_directive function, as called by the rewrite_command hook for mod_ssl Apache module 2.8.9 and earlier, allows local users to execute arbitrary code as the Apache server user via .htaccess files with long entries.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 33%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-193
Published	2002-07-11
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: modssl

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-07-11 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

modssl mod ssl UPGRADE

Affected: <= 2.8.9

Fixed in: newer than 2.8.9

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mod-ssl || rpm -q mod-ssl || mod-ssl --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.8.9 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade mod-ssl

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade mod-ssl

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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: Apache mod_ssl 2.8.x - Off-by-One HTAccess 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-2002-0653?

mod ssl: upgrade to newer than 2.8.9. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-0653 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0653 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-2002-0653 affect?

CVE-2002-0653 affects mod ssl. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Off-by-one buffer overflow in the ssl_compat_directive function, as called by the rewrite_command hook for mod_ssl Apache module 2.8.9 and earlier, allows local users to execute arbitrary code as the Apache server user via .htaccess files w

How urgent is CVE-2002-0653?

Priority 49/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2004-0700 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE Format string vulnerability in the mod_proxy hook functions function in ssl_engine_log.c in mod_ssl before 2.8
CVE-2002-1157 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Cross-site scripting vulnerability in the mod_ssl Apache module 2.8.9 and earlier, when UseCanonicalName is of
CVE-2002-0082 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE The dbm and shm session cache code in mod_ssl before 2.8.7-1.3.23, and Apache-SSL before 1.3.22+1.46, does not

References

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