How severe is CVE-2002-1160?

CVE-2002-1160 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2002-1160 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (35th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2002-1160?

CVE-2002-1160 primarily affects Redhat Linux. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2002-1160?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2002-1160 published?

CVE-2002-1160 was published on 2003-02-19 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2002-1160

CVE-2002-1160 is a high-severity vulnerability in Redhat Linux with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (35th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Redhat Linux
Published: 2003-02-19
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The default configuration of the pam_xauth module forwards MIT-Magic-Cookies to new X sessions, which could allow local users to gain root privileges by stealing the cookies from a temporary .xauth file, which is created with the original user's credentials after root uses su.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2002-1160?: The default configuration of the pam_xauth module forwards MIT-Magic-Cookies to new X sessions, which could allow local users to gain root privileges by stealing the cookies from a temporary .xauth file, which is created with the original user's credentials after root uses su.
How severe is CVE-2002-1160?: CVE-2002-1160 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2002-1160 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (35th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2002-1160?: CVE-2002-1160 primarily affects Redhat Linux. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2002-1160?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2002-1160 published?: CVE-2002-1160 was published on 2003-02-19 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:redhat:linux:7.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:linux:7.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:linux:7.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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