CVE-2002-1682: NewsReactor 1.0 uses a weak encryption scheme, which could allow local users to decrypt the passwords and gain

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1682 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting newsreactor. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

NewsReactor 1.0 uses a weak encryption scheme, which could allow local users to decrypt the passwords and gain access to other users' newsgroup accounts.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 91%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-326
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: daansystems

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

daansystems newsreactor 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 newsreactor || rpm -q newsreactor || newsreactor --version

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

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

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

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

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-2002-1682?

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

Is CVE-2002-1682 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1682 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-2002-1682 affect?

CVE-2002-1682 affects newsreactor. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). NewsReactor 1.0 uses a weak encryption scheme, which could allow local users to decrypt the passwords and gain access to other users' newsgroup accounts.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1682?

Priority 27/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2007-1568 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Stack-based buffer overflow in DaanSystems NewsReactor 20070220.21 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrar

References

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