CVE-2002-0817: Format string vulnerability in super for Linux allows local users to gain root privileges via a long command l

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HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0817 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting super. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in super for Linux allows local users to gain root privileges via a long command line argument.

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	0.8% (top 45%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-08-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: william deich

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

william deich super DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.12 · 3.16 · 3.17 · 3.18

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.12

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison super sudo apt install super=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.12> sudo apt-mark hold super

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

dnf --showduplicates list super sudo dnf downgrade super-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.12> sudo dnf versionlock add super

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: William Deich Super 3.x - SysLog Format String

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-2002-0817?

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

Is CVE-2002-0817 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0817 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-2002-0817 affect?

CVE-2002-0817 affects super. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Format string vulnerability in super for Linux allows local users to gain root privileges via a long command line argument.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0817?

Priority 49/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2014-0470 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE super.c in Super 3.30.0 does not check the return value of the setuid function when the -F flag is set, which
CVE-2011-2776 MEDIUM 4.4 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in the Error function in super.c in Super 3.30.0 might allow local users to execute arbitrary
CVE-2004-0579 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE Format string vulnerability in super before 3.23 allows local users to execute arbitrary code as root.

References

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