CVE-2002-1788: Format string vulnerability in the nn_exitmsg function in nn 6.6.0 through 6.6.3 allows remote NNTP servers to

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1788 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting nn. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in the nn_exitmsg function in nn 6.6.0 through 6.6.3 allows remote NNTP servers to execute arbitrary code via format strings in server responses.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.1% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: kim storm

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

kim storm nn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 6.6.0 · 6.6.1 · 6.6.2 · 6.6.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.6.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 6.6.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison nn sudo apt install nn=<VERSION_BEFORE_6.6.0> sudo apt-mark hold nn

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

dnf --showduplicates list nn sudo dnf downgrade nn-<VERSION_BEFORE_6.6.0> sudo dnf versionlock add nn

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-2002-1788?

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

Is CVE-2002-1788 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1788 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-2002-1788 affect?

CVE-2002-1788 affects nn. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Format string vulnerability in the nn_exitmsg function in nn 6.6.0 through 6.6.3 allows remote NNTP servers to execute arbitrary code via format strings in server responses.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1788?

Priority 47/100. High severity

References

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