CVE-2002-2098: Buffer overflow in axspawn.c in Axspawn-pam before 0.2.1a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code vi

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-2098 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting axspawn. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in axspawn.c in Axspawn-pam before 0.2.1a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via large packets.

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	3.3% (top 11%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: axspawn

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

axspawn axspawn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.2.4.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.2.4.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.2.4.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison axspawn sudo apt install axspawn=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.2.4.1> sudo apt-mark hold axspawn

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

dnf --showduplicates list axspawn sudo dnf downgrade axspawn-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.2.4.1> sudo dnf versionlock add axspawn

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-2002-2098?

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

Is CVE-2002-2098 being exploited?

CVE-2002-2098 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-2002-2098 affect?

CVE-2002-2098 affects axspawn. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in axspawn.c in Axspawn-pam before 0.2.1a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via large packets.

How urgent is CVE-2002-2098?

Priority 48/100. High severity

References

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