CVE-2002-1278: The mailconf module in Linuxconf 1.24, and other versions before 1.28, on Conectiva Linux 6.0 through 8, and p

This month

HIGH 7.5WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1278 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting linuxconf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The mailconf module in Linuxconf 1.24, and other versions before 1.28, on Conectiva Linux 6.0 through 8, and possibly other distributions, generates the Sendmail configuration file (sendmail.cf) in a way that configures Sendmail to run as an open mail relay, which allows remote attackers to send Spam email.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.5% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-11-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: jacques gelinas

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 21:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

jacques gelinas linuxconf DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2.4r2 · 1.2.5r3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2.4r2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2.4r2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison linuxconf sudo apt install linuxconf=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.4r2> sudo apt-mark hold linuxconf

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

dnf --showduplicates list linuxconf sudo dnf downgrade linuxconf-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.4r2> sudo dnf versionlock add linuxconf

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-2002-1278?

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

Is CVE-2002-1278 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1278 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-2002-1278 affect?

CVE-2002-1278 affects linuxconf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The mailconf module in Linuxconf 1.24, and other versions before 1.28, on Conectiva Linux 6.0 through 8, and possibly other distributions, generates the Sendmail configuration file (sendmail.cf) in a way that configures Sendmail to run as a

How urgent is CVE-2002-1278?

Priority 52/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-1506 HIGH 7.2 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in Linuxconf before 1.28r4 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long LINUXCONF_L

References

← Back to latest CVEs