CVE-2002-1854: Rlaj whois CGI script (whois.cgi) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metachar

This month

HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-1854 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting rlaj whois. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Rlaj whois CGI script (whois.cgi) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the domain name field.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	4.7% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: rlaj

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 22:00 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rlaj rlaj whois 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 rlaj-whois || rpm -q rlaj-whois || rlaj-whois --version

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

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

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

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

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-2002-1854?

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

Is CVE-2002-1854 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1854 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-2002-1854 affect?

CVE-2002-1854 affects rlaj whois. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Rlaj whois CGI script (whois.cgi) 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the domain name field.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1854?

Priority 58/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited

References

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