CVE-2008-5986: Untrusted search path vulnerability in the (1) "VST plugin with Python scripting" and (2) "VST plugin for writ

Routine

MEDIUM 6.9DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-5986 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.9) affecting csound. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Untrusted search path vulnerability in the (1) "VST plugin with Python scripting" and (2) "VST plugin for writing score generators in Python" in Csound 5.08.2, 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 70%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2009-01-28
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: csound

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

csound csound DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.08.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.08.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.08.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison csound sudo apt install csound=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.08.2> sudo apt-mark hold csound

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

dnf --showduplicates list csound sudo dnf downgrade csound-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.08.2> sudo dnf versionlock add csound

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-2008-5986?

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

Is CVE-2008-5986 being exploited?

CVE-2008-5986 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-2008-5986 affect?

CVE-2008-5986 affects csound. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.9). Untrusted search path vulnerability in the (1) "VST plugin with Python scripting" and (2) "VST plugin for writing score generators in Python" in Csound 5.08.2, and possibly other versions, allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a

How urgent is CVE-2008-5986?

Priority 32/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2012-2108 HIGH 9.3 UPGRADE Stack-based buffer overflow in the main function in util/lpci_main.c in Csound before 5.17.2, when converting
CVE-2012-2107 HIGH 9.3 UPGRADE Integer overflow in the main function in util/lpci_main.c in Csound before 5.17.2, when converting a file, all
CVE-2012-2106 HIGH 9.3 DOWNGRADE Integer overflow in the pv_import function in util/pv_import.c in Csound 5.16.6, when converting a file, allow
CVE-2012-0270 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Csound before 5.16.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code

References

← Back to latest CVEs