CVE-2012-5534: The hook_process function in the plugin API for WeeChat 0.3.0 through 0.3.9.1 allows remote attackers to execu

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-5534 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting weechat. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The hook_process function in the plugin API for WeeChat 0.3.0 through 0.3.9.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a command from a plugin, related to "shell expansion."

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	4.4% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2012-12-03
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: flashtux

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2012-12-03 21:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

flashtux weechat DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.3.0 · 0.3.1 · 0.3.1.1 · 0.3.2 · 0.3.3 · 0.3.4 · 0.3.6 · 0.3.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.3.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison weechat sudo apt install weechat=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.3.0> sudo apt-mark hold weechat

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

dnf --showduplicates list weechat sudo dnf downgrade weechat-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add weechat

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-2012-5534?

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

Is CVE-2012-5534 being exploited?

CVE-2012-5534 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-2012-5534 affect?

CVE-2012-5534 affects weechat. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The hook_process function in the plugin API for WeeChat 0.3.0 through 0.3.9.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a command from a plugin, related to "shell expansion."

How urgent is CVE-2012-5534?

Priority 49/100. High severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

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References

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