CVE-2001-1593: The tempname_ensure function in lib/routines.h in a2ps 4.14 and earlier, as used by the spy_user function and

Q: How do I fix CVE-2001-1593?

a2ps: upgrade to newer than 4.14. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2001-1593 being exploited?

CVE-2001-1593 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2001-1593 affect?

CVE-2001-1593 affects a2ps. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). The tempname_ensure function in lib/routines.h in a2ps 4.14 and earlier, as used by the spy_user function and possibly other functions, allows local users to modify arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2001-1593?

Priority 16/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Routine

LOW 2.1UPGRADE

CVE-2001-1593 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting a2ps. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The tempname_ensure function in lib/routines.h in a2ps 4.14 and earlier, as used by the spy_user function and possibly other functions, allows local users to modify arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2014-04-05
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gnu

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2014-04-05 21:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnu a2ps UPGRADE

Affected: <= 4.14 · 4.10.3 · 4.10.4 · 4.12 · 4.13 · 4.13b

Fixed in: newer than 4.14

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy a2ps || rpm -q a2ps || a2ps --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.14 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade a2ps

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade a2ps

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2001-1593?

a2ps: upgrade to newer than 4.14. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2001-1593 being exploited?

CVE-2001-1593 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-2001-1593 affect?

CVE-2001-1593 affects a2ps. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). The tempname_ensure function in lib/routines.h in a2ps 4.14 and earlier, as used by the spy_user function and possibly other functions, allows local users to modify arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a temporary file.

How urgent is CVE-2001-1593?

Priority 16/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2015-8107 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE Format string vulnerability in GNU a2ps 4.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
CVE-2014-0466 MEDIUM 6.8 DOWNGRADE The fixps script in a2ps 4.14 does not use the -dSAFER option when executing gs, which allows context-dependen
CVE-2004-1377 LOW 2.1 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE The (1) fixps (aka fixps.in) and (2) psmandup (aka psmandup.in) scripts in a2ps before 4.13 allow local users
CVE-2004-1170 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE a2ps 4.13 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the filename.

References

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