CVE-2008-5984: Untrusted search path vulnerability in the Python plugin in Dia 0.96.1, and possibly other versions, allows lo

Routine

MEDIUM 6.9DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-5984 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.9) affecting dia. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Untrusted search path vulnerability in the Python plugin in Dia 0.96.1, and possibly other versions, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse Python file in the current working directory, related to a vulnerability in the PySys_SetArgv function (CVE-2008-5983).

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.9 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2009-01-28
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: dia

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-01-28 11:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

dia dia DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.96.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.96.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.96.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison dia sudo apt install dia=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.96.1> sudo apt-mark hold dia

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

dnf --showduplicates list dia sudo dnf downgrade dia-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.96.1> sudo dnf versionlock add dia

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-2008-5984?

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

Is CVE-2008-5984 being exploited?

CVE-2008-5984 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-2008-5984 affect?

CVE-2008-5984 affects dia. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.9). Untrusted search path vulnerability in the Python plugin in Dia 0.96.1, and possibly other versions, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse Python file in the current working directory, related to a vulnerability in

How urgent is CVE-2008-5984?

Priority 33/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities

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References

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