CVE-2002-0923: CGIScript.net csNews.cgi allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files, and possibly gain privileg

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0923 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting csnews. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

CGIScript.net csNews.cgi allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files, and possibly gain privileges, via the (1) pheader or (2) pfooter parameters in the "Advanced Settings" capability.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: 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	7.0% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-10-04
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: cgiscript.net

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-10-04 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cgiscript.net csnews DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0 · 1.0_professional

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison csnews sudo apt install csnews=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold csnews

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

dnf --showduplicates list csnews sudo dnf downgrade csnews-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add csnews

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: CGIScript.net csNews 1.0 - Header File Type Restriction Bypass

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-2002-0923?

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

Is CVE-2002-0923 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0923 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-2002-0923 affect?

CVE-2002-0923 affects csnews. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). CGIScript.net csNews.cgi allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files, and possibly gain privileges, via the (1) pheader or (2) pfooter parameters in the "Advanced Settings" capability.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0923?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-0924 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE CGIScript.net csNews.cgi allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary Perl code via terminating quot
CVE-2002-0922 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE CGIScript.net csNews.cgi allows remote attackers to obtain database files via a direct URL-encoded request to
CVE-2002-0921 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE CGIScript.net csNews.cgi allows remote attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information, such as the full

References

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