CVE-2002-2068: Eraser 5.3 does not clear Windows alternate data streams that are attached to files on NTFS file systems, whic

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-2068 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting eraser. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Eraser 5.3 does not clear Windows alternate data streams that are attached to files on NTFS file systems, which allows attackers to recover sensitive information that was supposed to be deleted.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.2% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-459
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: tolvanen

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

tolvanen eraser DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison eraser sudo apt install eraser=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.3> sudo apt-mark hold eraser

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

dnf --showduplicates list eraser sudo dnf downgrade eraser-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.3> sudo dnf versionlock add eraser

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-2002-2068?

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

Is CVE-2002-2068 being exploited?

CVE-2002-2068 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-2002-2068 affect?

CVE-2002-2068 affects eraser. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Eraser 5.3 does not clear Windows alternate data streams that are attached to files on NTFS file systems, which allows attackers to recover sensitive information that was supposed to be deleted.

How urgent is CVE-2002-2068?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2002-2067 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE East-Tec Eraser 2002 does not clear Windows alternate data streams that are attached to files on NTFS file sys

References

← Back to latest CVEs