CVE-2002-1549: Buffer overflow in Light HTTPd (lhttpd) 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1549 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting light httpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Light HTTPd (lhttpd) 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	11.2% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2003-03-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: light httpd

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-03-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

light httpd light httpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy light-httpd || rpm -q light-httpd || light-httpd --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison light-httpd sudo apt install light-httpd=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1> sudo apt-mark hold light-httpd

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

dnf --showduplicates list light-httpd sudo dnf downgrade light-httpd-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1> sudo dnf versionlock add light-httpd

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: Light HTTPd 0.1 - 'GET' Buffer Overflow (1)
Exploit-DB: Light HTTPd 0.1 - 'GET' Buffer Overflow (2)
Exploit-DB: Light HTTPd 0.1 (Windows) - Remote Buffer Overflow

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-2002-1549?

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

Is CVE-2002-1549 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1549 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-2002-1549 affect?

CVE-2002-1549 affects light httpd. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in Light HTTPd (lhttpd) 0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP GET request.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1549?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Apache HTTP Server vulnerabilities

References

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