CVE-2002-0733: Cross-site scripting vulnerability in thttpd 2.20 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary scr

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0733 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting thttpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Cross-site scripting vulnerability in thttpd 2.20 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script via a URL to a nonexistent page, which causes thttpd to insert the script into a 404 error message.

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	8.0% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-08-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: acme labs

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 21:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

acme labs thttpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.20b

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.20b

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.20b (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison thttpd sudo apt install thttpd=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.20b> sudo apt-mark hold thttpd

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

dnf --showduplicates list thttpd sudo dnf downgrade thttpd-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.20b> sudo dnf versionlock add thttpd

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: ACME Labs thttpd 2.20 - Cross-Site Scripting

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-2002-0733?

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

Is CVE-2002-0733 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0733 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-2002-0733 affect?

CVE-2002-0733 affects thttpd. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Cross-site scripting vulnerability in thttpd 2.20 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script via a URL to a nonexistent page, which causes thttpd to insert the script into a 404 error message.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0733?

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

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References

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