CVE-2002-1503: Buffer overflow in Automatic File Distributor (AFD) 1.2.14 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges v

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HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1503 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting afd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Automatic File Distributor (AFD) 1.2.14 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges via a long MON_WORK_DIR environment variable or -w (workdir) argument to (1) afd, (2) afdcmd, (3) afd_ctrl, (4) init_afd, (5) mafd, (6) mon_ctrl, (7) show_olog, or (8) udc.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 33%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-04-02
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: afd

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-04-02 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

afd afd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2 · 1.2.1 · 1.2.2 · 1.2.3 · 1.2.4 · 1.2.5 · 1.2.6 · 1.2.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison afd sudo apt install afd=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2> sudo apt-mark hold afd

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

dnf --showduplicates list afd sudo dnf downgrade afd-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2> sudo dnf versionlock add afd

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.

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: AFD 1.2.x - Working Directory Local Buffer Overflow / Local Privilege Escalation

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-2002-1503?

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

Is CVE-2002-1503 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1503 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-2002-1503 affect?

CVE-2002-1503 affects afd. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in Automatic File Distributor (AFD) 1.2.14 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges via a long MON_WORK_DIR environment variable or -w (workdir) argument to (1) afd, (2) afdcmd, (3) afd_ctrl, (4) init_afd, (5) mafd,

How urgent is CVE-2002-1503?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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