CVE-2005-1632: Cheetah 0.9.15 and 0.9.16 searches the /tmp directory for modules before using the paths in the PYTHONPATH var

Routine

HIGH 7.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-1632 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting cheetah. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Cheetah 0.9.15 and 0.9.16 searches the /tmp directory for modules before using the paths in the PYTHONPATH variable, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a malicious module in /tmp/.

Why this priority

High severity

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 62%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-05-17
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: tavis rudd

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-05-17 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

tavis rudd cheetah DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9.15 · 0.9.16

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9.15

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9.15 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cheetah sudo apt install cheetah=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.15> sudo apt-mark hold cheetah

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list cheetah sudo dnf downgrade cheetah-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.15> sudo dnf versionlock add cheetah

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2005-1632?

cheetah: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-1632 being exploited?

CVE-2005-1632 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-2005-1632 affect?

CVE-2005-1632 affects cheetah. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Cheetah 0.9.15 and 0.9.16 searches the /tmp directory for modules before using the paths in the PYTHONPATH variable, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a malicious module in /tmp/.

How urgent is CVE-2005-1632?

Priority 35/100. High severity

References

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