CVE-2002-0740: Buffer overflow in slrnpull for the SLRN package, when installed setuid or setgid, allows local users to gain

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0740 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting slrn. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in slrnpull for the SLRN package, when installed setuid or setgid, allows local users to gain privileges via a long -d (SPOOLDIR) argument.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.5% (top 26%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-08-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: slrn development team

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

slrn development team slrn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9.6.2 · 0.9.6.3 · 0.9.6.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9.6.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9.6.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison slrn sudo apt install slrn=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.6.2> sudo apt-mark hold slrn

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

dnf --showduplicates list slrn sudo dnf downgrade slrn-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.6.2> sudo dnf versionlock add slrn

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: SLRNPull 0.9.6 - Spool Directory Command Line Parameter 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-2002-0740?

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

Is CVE-2002-0740 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0740 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-2002-0740 affect?

CVE-2002-0740 affects slrn. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in slrnpull for the SLRN package, when installed setuid or setgid, allows local users to gain privileges via a long -d (SPOOLDIR) argument.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0740?

Priority 49/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2001-1035 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Binary decoding feature of slrn 0.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute commands via shell scripts

References

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