CVE-2005-1992: The XMLRPC server in utils.rb for the ruby library (libruby) 1.8 sets an invalid default value that prevents "

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-1992 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ruby. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The XMLRPC server in utils.rb for the ruby library (libruby) 1.8 sets an invalid default value that prevents "security protection" using handlers, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	6.6% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-06-20
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: yukihiro matsumoto

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-06-20 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:14 UTCUpdated Record last modified

yukihiro matsumoto ruby DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.8

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ruby sudo apt install ruby=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.8> sudo apt-mark hold ruby

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

dnf --showduplicates list ruby sudo dnf downgrade ruby-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.8> sudo dnf versionlock add ruby

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-2005-1992?

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

Is CVE-2005-1992 being exploited?

CVE-2005-1992 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-2005-1992 affect?

CVE-2005-1992 affects ruby. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The XMLRPC server in utils.rb for the ruby library (libruby) 1.8 sets an invalid default value that prevents "security protection" using handlers, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands.

How urgent is CVE-2005-1992?

Priority 50/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited

Software pages

Ruby vulnerabilities

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References

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