CVE-2007-1536: Integer underflow in the file_printf function in the "file" program before 4.20 allows user-assisted attackers

Q: How do I fix CVE-2007-1536?

file: upgrade to newer than 4.19. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2007-1536 being exploited?

CVE-2007-1536 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-2007-1536 affect?

CVE-2007-1536 affects file. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). Integer underflow in the file_printf function in the "file" program before 4.20 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a file that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2007-1536?

Priority 62/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

This week

HIGH 9.3UPGRADE

CVE-2007-1536 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting file. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Integer underflow in the file_printf function in the "file" program before 4.20 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a file that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	13.6% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-189
Published	2007-03-20
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: file

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2007-03-20 20:19 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:37 UTCUpdated Record last modified

file file UPGRADE

Affected: <= 4.19

Fixed in: newer than 4.19

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.19 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade file

Note

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

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: File(1) 4.13 - Command File_PrintF Integer Underflow

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-2007-1536?

file: upgrade to newer than 4.19. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2007-1536 being exploited?

CVE-2007-1536 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-2007-1536 affect?

CVE-2007-1536 affects file. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). Integer underflow in the file_printf function in the "file" program before 4.20 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a file that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.

How urgent is CVE-2007-1536?

Priority 62/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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