CVE-2002-1676: BindView NetInventory 1.0, when used with NetRC 1.0, allows local users to read sensitive information (passwor

Routine

LOW 2.1DOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1676 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting netinventory, netrc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

BindView NetInventory 1.0, when used with NetRC 1.0, allows local users to read sensitive information (passwords) by deleting the HOSTCFG._NI file and forcing an audit, which rewrites the HOSTCFG._NI to HOSTCFG.INI and stores the passwords in cleartext until the audit is complete.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 73%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: bindview

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

bindview netinventory DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison netinventory sudo apt install netinventory=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold netinventory

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

dnf --showduplicates list netinventory sudo dnf downgrade netinventory-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add netinventory

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.

bindview netrc DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison netrc sudo apt install netrc=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold netrc

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

dnf --showduplicates list netrc sudo dnf downgrade netrc-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add netrc

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-2002-1676?

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

Is CVE-2002-1676 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1676 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-2002-1676 affect?

CVE-2002-1676 affects netinventory, netrc. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). BindView NetInventory 1.0, when used with NetRC 1.0, allows local users to read sensitive information (passwords) by deleting the HOSTCFG._NI file and forcing an audit, which rewrites the HOSTCFG._NI to HOSTCFG.INI and stores the passwords

How urgent is CVE-2002-1676?

Priority 14/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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