CVE-2002-1238: Peter Sandvik's Simple Web Server 0.5.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass access restrictions for

Q: How do I fix CVE-2002-1238?

simple web server: upgrade to newer than 0.5.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2002-1238 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1238 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2002-1238 affect?

CVE-2002-1238 affects simple web server. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Peter Sandvik's Simple Web Server 0.5.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass access restrictions for files via an HTTP request with a sequence of multiple / (slash) characters such as http://www.example.com///file/.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2002-1238?

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

This month

HIGH 7.5UPGRADE

CVE-2002-1238 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting simple web server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Peter Sandvik's Simple Web Server 0.5.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass access restrictions for files via an HTTP request with a sequence of multiple / (slash) characters such as http://www.example.com///file/.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	7.1% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-11-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: peter sandvik

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-11-12 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

peter sandvik simple web server UPGRADE

Affected: <= 0.5.1

Fixed in: newer than 0.5.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy simple-web-server || rpm -q simple-web-server || simple-web-server --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 0.5.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade simple-web-server

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade simple-web-server

Note

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

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: Simple Web Server 0.5.1 - File 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-2002-1238?

simple web server: upgrade to newer than 0.5.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-1238 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1238 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-2002-1238 affect?

CVE-2002-1238 affects simple web server. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Peter Sandvik's Simple Web Server 0.5.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass access restrictions for files via an HTTP request with a sequence of multiple / (slash) characters such as http://www.example.com///file/.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1238?

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

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References

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