CVE-2002-2113: search.cgi in AGH HTMLsearch 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacter

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-2113 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting htmlsearch. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

search.cgi in AGH HTMLsearch 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the template parameter.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 10%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.9% (top 10%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: agh

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

agh htmlsearch 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 htmlsearch || rpm -q htmlsearch || htmlsearch --version

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

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

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

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

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: AHG Search Engine 1.0 - 'search.cgi' Arbitrary Command Execution

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-2002-2113?

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

Is CVE-2002-2113 being exploited?

CVE-2002-2113 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-2002-2113 affect?

CVE-2002-2113 affects htmlsearch. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). search.cgi in AGH HTMLsearch 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the template parameter.

How urgent is CVE-2002-2113?

Priority 54/100. High severity; EPSS top 10%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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