CVE-2002-0971: Vulnerability in VNC, TightVNC, and TridiaVNC allows local users to execute arbitrary code as LocalSystem by u

Routine

MEDIUM 4.6UPGRADEDOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0971 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.6) affecting winvnc server, tightvnc, tridiavnc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Vulnerability in VNC, TightVNC, and TridiaVNC allows local users to execute arbitrary code as LocalSystem by using the Win32 Messaging System to bypass the VNC GUI and access the "Add new clients" dialogue box.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.6 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-09-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: att · tightvnc · tridia

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-09-24 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

att winvnc server UPGRADE

Affected: <= 3.3.3_r9 · 3.3.3_r7

Fixed in: newer than 3.3.3_r9

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy winvnc-server || rpm -q winvnc-server || winvnc-server --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.3.3_r9 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade winvnc-server

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade winvnc-server

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

tightvnc tightvnc DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2.0 · 1.2.1 · 1.2.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison tightvnc sudo apt install tightvnc=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.0> sudo apt-mark hold tightvnc

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

dnf --showduplicates list tightvnc sudo dnf downgrade tightvnc-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add tightvnc

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.

tridia tridiavnc DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.5 · 1.5.1 · 1.5.2 · 1.5.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison tridiavnc sudo apt install tridiavnc=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5> sudo apt-mark hold tridiavnc

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

dnf --showduplicates list tridiavnc sudo dnf downgrade tridiavnc-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5> sudo dnf versionlock add tridiavnc

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.

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-2002-0971?

winvnc server: upgrade to newer than 3.3.3_r9; tightvnc: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; tridiavnc: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-0971 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0971 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-2002-0971 affect?

CVE-2002-0971 affects winvnc server, tightvnc, tridiavnc. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.6). Vulnerability in VNC, TightVNC, and TridiaVNC allows local users to execute arbitrary code as LocalSystem by using the Win32 Messaging System to bypass the VNC GUI and access the "Add new clients" dialogue box.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0971?

Priority 25/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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