CVE-2002-1604: Multiple buffer overflows in HP Tru64 UNIX allow local and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code

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HIGH 7.5MITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2002-1604 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting hp-ux, tru64. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple buffer overflows in HP Tru64 UNIX allow local and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long NLSPATH environment variable to (1) csh, (2) dtsession, (3) dxsysinfo, (4) imapd, (5) inc, (6) uucp, (7) uux, (8) rdist, or (9) deliver.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 3%: 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	15.0% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-09-02
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: hp

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-09-02 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

hp hp-ux MITIGATE

Affected: 10.20 · 11.00 · 11.04 · 11.11 · 11.22

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.20

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

hp tru64 MITIGATE

Affected: 4.0f · 4.0g · 5.0a · 5.1 · 5.1a

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0f

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2002-1604?

hp-ux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; tru64: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-1604 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1604 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-2002-1604 affect?

CVE-2002-1604 affects hp-ux, tru64. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Multiple buffer overflows in HP Tru64 UNIX allow local and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long NLSPATH environment variable to (1) csh, (2) dtsession, (3) dxsysinfo, (4) imapd, (5) inc, (6) uucp, (7) uux, (8) rdis

How urgent is CVE-2002-1604?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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CVE-1999-0307 HIGH 7.2 MITIGATE Buffer overflow in HP-UX cstm program allows local users to gain root privileges.

References

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