CVE-2002-2257: Stack-based buffer overflow in the parse_field function in cgi_lib.c for LIBCGI 1.0.2 and 1.0.3 allows remote

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-2257 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting libcgi. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the parse_field function in cgi_lib.c for LIBCGI 1.0.2 and 1.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.4% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: tuxbr

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

tuxbr libcgi DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.2 · 1.0.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libcgi sudo apt install libcgi=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.2> sudo apt-mark hold libcgi

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

dnf --showduplicates list libcgi sudo dnf downgrade libcgi-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.2> sudo dnf versionlock add libcgi

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-2002-2257?

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

Is CVE-2002-2257 being exploited?

CVE-2002-2257 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-2002-2257 affect?

CVE-2002-2257 affects libcgi. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Stack-based buffer overflow in the parse_field function in cgi_lib.c for LIBCGI 1.0.2 and 1.0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument.

How urgent is CVE-2002-2257?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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