CVE-2002-0989: The URL handler in the manual browser option for Gaim before 0.59.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitra

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0989 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting gaim. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The URL handler in the manual browser option for Gaim before 0.59.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script via shell metacharacters in a link.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.2% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-09-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: rob flynn

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

rob flynn gaim DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.51 · 0.52 · 0.53 · 0.54 · 0.55 · 0.56 · 0.57 · 0.58

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.51

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.51 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gaim sudo apt install gaim=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.51> sudo apt-mark hold gaim

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

dnf --showduplicates list gaim sudo dnf downgrade gaim-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.51> sudo dnf versionlock add gaim

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-2002-0989?

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

Is CVE-2002-0989 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0989 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-2002-0989 affect?

CVE-2002-0989 affects gaim. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The URL handler in the manual browser option for Gaim before 0.59.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script via shell metacharacters in a link.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0989?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

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References

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