CVE-2002-2438

CVE-2002-2438 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-287.

Key facts

• Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
• CVSS v2: 5.0
• EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (89th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-287
• Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
• Published: 2021-05-18
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

TCP firewalls could be circumvented by sending a SYN Packets with other flags (like e.g. RST flag) set, which was not correctly discarded by the Linux TCP stack after firewalling.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2002-2438?

TCP firewalls could be circumvented by sending a SYN Packets with other flags (like e.g. RST flag) set, which was not correctly discarded by the Linux TCP stack after firewalling.

How severe is CVE-2002-2438?

CVE-2002-2438 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2002-2438 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (89th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2002-2438?

CVE-2002-2438 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2002-2438?

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-2002-2438 published?

CVE-2002-2438 was published on 2021-05-18 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/02/03/7
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/29/8
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/30/11
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/30/12
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/30/13
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/30/2
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/30/4
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/30/8
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/30/9
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/05/31/3
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/02/12/8
• https://bugzilla.suse.com/show_bug.cgi?id=744994%2C
• https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210727-0003/
• https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/464113
• https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/464113%2C
• https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2012/02/03/7

Affected products (1)

• cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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