CVE-2002-1789: Format string vulnerability in newsx NNTP client before 1.4.8 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1789 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting newsx. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in newsx NNTP client before 1.4.8 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers that are not properly handled in a call to the syslog function.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 64%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: newsx

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

newsx newsx DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.4_pl6

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.4_pl6

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.4_pl6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison newsx sudo apt install newsx=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4_pl6> sudo apt-mark hold newsx

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

dnf --showduplicates list newsx sudo dnf downgrade newsx-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4_pl6> sudo dnf versionlock add newsx

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-2002-1789?

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

Is CVE-2002-1789 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1789 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-2002-1789 affect?

CVE-2002-1789 affects newsx. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Format string vulnerability in newsx NNTP client before 1.4.8 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers that are not properly handled in a call to the syslog function.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1789?

Priority 34/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2008-3252 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Stack-based buffer overflow in the read_article function in getarticle.c in newsx 1.6 allows remote attackers

References

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