CVE-2002-0767: simpleinit on Linux systems does not close a read/write FIFO file descriptor before creating a child process,

This month

HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0767 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting simpleinit. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

simpleinit on Linux systems does not close a read/write FIFO file descriptor before creating a child process, which allows the child process to cause simpleinit to execute arbitrary programs with root privileges.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.4% (top 27%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-08-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: richard gooch

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

richard gooch simpleinit DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.2

1. Check installed version

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

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

apt-cache madison simpleinit sudo apt install simpleinit=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.2> sudo apt-mark hold simpleinit

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

dnf --showduplicates list simpleinit sudo dnf downgrade simpleinit-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.2> sudo dnf versionlock add simpleinit

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: Richard Gooch SimpleInit 2.0.2 - Open File Descriptor

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-2002-0767?

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

Is CVE-2002-0767 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0767 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-2002-0767 affect?

CVE-2002-0767 affects simpleinit. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). simpleinit on Linux systems does not close a read/write FIFO file descriptor before creating a child process, which allows the child process to cause simpleinit to execute arbitrary programs with root privileges.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0767?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

References

← Back to latest CVEs