CVE-2008-6556: cgi-bin/webutil.pl in The Puppet Master WebUtil 2.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-6556 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting webutil. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

cgi-bin/webutil.pl in The Puppet Master WebUtil 2.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the whois command.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.2% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2009-03-30
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: puppet master

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-03-30 20:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

puppet master webutil DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison webutil sudo apt install webutil=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3> sudo apt-mark hold webutil

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

dnf --showduplicates list webutil sudo dnf downgrade webutil-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.3> sudo dnf versionlock add webutil

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-2008-6556?

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

Is CVE-2008-6556 being exploited?

CVE-2008-6556 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-2008-6556 affect?

CVE-2008-6556 affects webutil. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). cgi-bin/webutil.pl in The Puppet Master WebUtil 2.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the whois command.

How urgent is CVE-2008-6556?

Priority 62/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2008-6557 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE cgi-bin/webutil.pl in The Puppet Master WebUtil 2.7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via
CVE-2008-6555 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE cgi-bin/webutil.pl in The Puppet Master WebUtil allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shel

References

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