How severe is CVE-2002-1656?

CVE-2002-1656 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2002-1656 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 8% (94th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2002-1656?

CVE-2002-1656 primarily affects Xqus X-news. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2002-1656?

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-2002-1656 published?

CVE-2002-1656 was published on 2002-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2002-1656

CVE-2002-1656 is a high-severity vulnerability in Xqus X-news with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. 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 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 8% (94th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Xqus X-news
Published: 2002-12-31
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

X-News (x_news) 1.1 and earlier allows attackers to authenticate as other users by obtaining the MD5 checksum of the password, e.g. via sniffing or the users.txt data file, and providing it in a cookie.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2002-1656?: X-News (x_news) 1.1 and earlier allows attackers to authenticate as other users by obtaining the MD5 checksum of the password, e.g. via sniffing or the users.txt data file, and providing it in a cookie.
How severe is CVE-2002-1656?: CVE-2002-1656 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2002-1656 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 8% (94th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2002-1656?: CVE-2002-1656 primarily affects Xqus X-news. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2002-1656?: 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-2002-1656 published?: CVE-2002-1656 was published on 2002-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:xqus:x-news:1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:xqus:x-news:1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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