CVE-2002-1403: dhcpcd DHCP client daemon 1.3.22 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharac

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1403 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting dhcpcd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

dhcpcd DHCP client daemon 1.3.22 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters that are fed from a dhcpd .info script into a .exe script.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 64%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-01-17
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: phystech

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-01-17 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

phystech dhcpcd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.3.17_pl2 · 1.3.22_pl1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.3.17_pl2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.3.17_pl2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison dhcpcd sudo apt install dhcpcd=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3.17_pl2> sudo apt-mark hold dhcpcd

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

dnf --showduplicates list dhcpcd sudo dnf downgrade dhcpcd-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3.17_pl2> sudo dnf versionlock add dhcpcd

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-2002-1403?

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

Is CVE-2002-1403 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1403 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-2002-1403 affect?

CVE-2002-1403 affects dhcpcd. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). dhcpcd DHCP client daemon 1.3.22 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters that are fed from a dhcpd .info script into a .exe script.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1403?

Priority 34/100. High severity

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References

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