CVE-2002-2365: Simple WAIS (SWAIS) 1.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the shell metacharacters in

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-2365 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting simple wais. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Simple WAIS (SWAIS) 1.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the shell metacharacters in the search field, as demonstrated using the "|" (pipe) character.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.0% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: springer verlag berlin heidelberg

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 22:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

springer verlag berlin heidelberg simple wais DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.11

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.11

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy simple-wais || rpm -q simple-wais || simple-wais --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.11 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison simple-wais sudo apt install simple-wais=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.11> sudo apt-mark hold simple-wais

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

dnf --showduplicates list simple-wais sudo dnf downgrade simple-wais-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.11> sudo dnf versionlock add simple-wais

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-2002-2365?

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

Is CVE-2002-2365 being exploited?

CVE-2002-2365 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-2002-2365 affect?

CVE-2002-2365 affects simple wais. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Simple WAIS (SWAIS) 1.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the shell metacharacters in the search field, as demonstrated using the "|" (pipe) character.

How urgent is CVE-2002-2365?

Priority 62/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference

References

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