CVE-2002-0371
HighPublic exploitBuffer overflow in gopher client for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1 through 6.0, Proxy Server 2.0, or ISA Server 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a gopher:// URL that redirects the user to a real or simulated gopher server that sends a long response.
Published Jul 3, 2002 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2002-0371 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft), Isa Server (Microsoft), Proxy Server (Microsoft) and 1 more product.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 54% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
54%
Higher than 99.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2002-0371 brief as a PDF
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Description
Buffer overflow in gopher client for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1 through 6.0, Proxy Server 2.0, or ISA Server 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a gopher:// URL that redirects the user to a real or simulated gopher server that sends a long response.
Affected Products
12 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 5.0.1, 5.0.1-sp1, 5.0.1-sp2, 5.5, 5.5-sp1, 5.5-sp2, 6.0 | n/a |
| Isa ServerMicrosoft | 2000, 2000-sp1 | n/a |
| Proxy ServerMicrosoft | 2.0, 2.0-sp1 | n/a |
| GopherUniversity Of Minnesota | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 3, 2002
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- exploitExploitDB-21510
- other20020604 Buffer overflow in MSIE gopher code
- other20020613 Microsoft releases critical fix that breaks their own software!
- other20020613 Flawed workaround in MS02-027 -- gopher can run on _any_ port, not just 70
- otherMS02-027
FAQ
Common Questions.
Buffer overflow in gopher client for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1 through 6.0, Proxy Server 2.0, or ISA Server 2000 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a gopher:// URL that redirects the user to a real or simulated gopher server that sends a long response.
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 5.0.1, 5.0.1-sp1, 5.0.1-sp2, 5.5, 5.5-sp1, 5.5-sp2, 6.0; Isa Server (Microsoft) versions 2000, 2000-sp1; Proxy Server (Microsoft) versions 2.0, 2.0-sp1, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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