CVE-2009-5042: python-docutils allows insecure usage of temporary files

This week

CRITICAL 9.1REMOTEWATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2009-5042 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting python-docutils, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

python-docutils allows insecure usage of temporary files

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.1 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.4% (top 27%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-668
Published	2019-10-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · python-docutils project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-10-31 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:14 UTCUpdated Record last modified

python-docutils project python-docutils DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.5-2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.5-2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy python-docutils || rpm -q python-docutils || python-docutils --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.5-2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison python-docutils sudo apt install python-docutils=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.5-2> sudo apt-mark hold python-docutils

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

dnf --showduplicates list python-docutils sudo dnf downgrade python-docutils-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.5-2> sudo dnf versionlock add python-docutils

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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0 · 9.0 · 10.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2009-5042?

python-docutils: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2009-5042 being exploited?

CVE-2009-5042 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-2009-5042 affect?

CVE-2009-5042 affects python-docutils, debian linux. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). python-docutils allows insecure usage of temporary files

How urgent is CVE-2009-5042?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities

References

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