CVE-2002-1472: Untrusted search path vulnerability in libX11.so in xfree86, when used in setuid or setgid programs, allows lo

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1472 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting x11r6. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Untrusted search path vulnerability in libX11.so in xfree86, when used in setuid or setgid programs, allows local users to gain root privileges via a modified LD_PRELOAD environment variable that points to a malicious module.

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 69%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-03-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xfree86 project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-03-03 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xfree86 project x11r6 DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.1.0 · 4.2.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy x11r6 || rpm -q x11r6 || x11r6 --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison x11r6 sudo apt install x11r6=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.1.0> sudo apt-mark hold x11r6

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

dnf --showduplicates list x11r6 sudo dnf downgrade x11r6-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add x11r6

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-2002-1472?

x11r6: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-1472 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1472 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-2002-1472 affect?

CVE-2002-1472 affects x11r6. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Untrusted search path vulnerability in libX11.so in xfree86, when used in setuid or setgid programs, allows local users to gain root privileges via a modified LD_PRELOAD environment variable that points to a malicious module.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1472?

Priority 33/100. High severity

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References

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