CVE-2002-0770: Quake 2 (Q2) server 3.20 and 3.21 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive server cvar variables, obtain di

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MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0770 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting quake 2i server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Quake 2 (Q2) server 3.20 and 3.21 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive server cvar variables, obtain directory listings, and execute Q2 server admin commands via a client that does not expand "$" macros, which causes the server to expand the macros and leak the information, as demonstrated using "say $rcon_password."

Why this priority

EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	5.5% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-08-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: id software

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

id software quake 2i server DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.20 · 3.21

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.20

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy quake-2i-server || rpm -q quake-2i-server || quake-2i-server --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.20 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison quake-2i-server sudo apt install quake-2i-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.20> sudo apt-mark hold quake-2i-server

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

dnf --showduplicates list quake-2i-server sudo dnf downgrade quake-2i-server-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.20> sudo dnf versionlock add quake-2i-server

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: id Software Quake II Server 3.20/3.21 - Remote Information Disclosure

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-2002-0770?

quake 2i server: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-0770 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0770 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-2002-0770 affect?

CVE-2002-0770 affects quake 2i server. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). Quake 2 (Q2) server 3.20 and 3.21 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive server cvar variables, obtain directory listings, and execute Q2 server admin commands via a client that does not expand "$" macros, which causes the server to ex

How urgent is CVE-2002-0770?

Priority 46/100. EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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