CVE-2002-2048: Buffer overflow in PFinger 0.7.8 client allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long query val

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-2048 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting pfinger. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in PFinger 0.7.8 client allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long query value passed to the (1) finger program, (2) -l, (3) -d, and (4) -t options. NOTE: if PFinger is not setuid or setgid, then this issue would not cross privilege boundaries and would not be considered a vulnerability.

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	2.9% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: michael baumer

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

michael baumer pfinger DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.7.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.7.8

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.7.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pfinger sudo apt install pfinger=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.7.8> sudo apt-mark hold pfinger

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

dnf --showduplicates list pfinger sudo dnf downgrade pfinger-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.7.8> sudo dnf versionlock add pfinger

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-2002-2048?

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

Is CVE-2002-2048 being exploited?

CVE-2002-2048 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-2002-2048 affect?

CVE-2002-2048 affects pfinger. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in PFinger 0.7.8 client allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long query value passed to the (1) finger program, (2) -l, (3) -d, and (4) -t options. NOTE: if PFinger is not setuid or setgid, then this issu

How urgent is CVE-2002-2048?

Priority 48/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2001-1215 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Format string vulnerability in PFinger 0.7.5 through 0.7.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code v

References

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