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

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HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1506 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting linuxconf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Linuxconf before 1.28r4 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long LINUXCONF_LANG environment variable, which overflows an error string that is generated.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 24%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-04-02
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

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

jacques gelinas linuxconf DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1.6r10 · 1.1.7 · 1.1.8 · 1.1.9r1 · 1.1.9r2 · 1.2 · 1.2.1 · 1.2.1r1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1.6r10

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1.6r10 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison linuxconf sudo apt install linuxconf=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.6r10> sudo apt-mark hold linuxconf

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

dnf --showduplicates list linuxconf sudo dnf downgrade linuxconf-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.6r10> 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.

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: Linuxconf 1.1.x/1.2.x - Local Environment Variable Buffer Overflow (1)
Exploit-DB: Linuxconf 1.1.x/1.2.x - Local Environment Variable Buffer Overflow (2)
Exploit-DB: Linuxconf 1.1.x/1.2.x - Local Environment Variable Buffer Overflow (3)

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-2002-1506?

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

Is CVE-2002-1506 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1506 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-2002-1506 affect?

CVE-2002-1506 affects linuxconf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in Linuxconf before 1.28r4 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long LINUXCONF_LANG environment variable, which overflows an error string that is generated.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1506?

Priority 54/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-1278 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE The mailconf module in Linuxconf 1.24, and other versions before 1.28, on Conectiva Linux 6.0 through 8, and p

References

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