CVE-2012-6097: File descriptor leak in cronie 1.4.8, when running in certain environments, might allow local users to read re

Routine

MEDIUM 4.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-6097 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) affecting cronie. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

File descriptor leak in cronie 1.4.8, when running in certain environments, might allow local users to read restricted files, as demonstrated by reading /etc/crontab.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.3 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.3% (top 29%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2013-04-09
Last modified	2026-06-16

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

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2013-04-09 20:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

fedorahosted cronie DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.4.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.4.8

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.4.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cronie sudo apt install cronie=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4.8> sudo apt-mark hold cronie

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

dnf --showduplicates list cronie sudo dnf downgrade cronie-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4.8> sudo dnf versionlock add cronie

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-2012-6097?

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

Is CVE-2012-6097 being exploited?

CVE-2012-6097 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-2012-6097 affect?

CVE-2012-6097 affects cronie. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.3). File descriptor leak in cronie 1.4.8, when running in certain environments, might allow local users to read restricted files, as demonstrated by reading /etc/crontab.

How urgent is CVE-2012-6097?

Priority 33/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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