CVE-2013-7069: ack 2.00 through 2.11_02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) --pager, (2) --regex, or

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MEDIUM 6.8WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2013-7069 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting ack. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ack 2.00 through 2.11_02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) --pager, (2) --regex, or (3) --output option in a .ackrc file in a directory to be searched.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	3.1% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2013-12-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Debian GNU/Linux · Vendor: beyondgrep

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2013-12-14 17:21 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

beyondgrep ack DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.00 · 2.02 · 2.04 · 2.05_01 · 2.06 · 2.08 · 2.10 · 2.11

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.00

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.00 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ack sudo apt install ack=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.00> sudo apt-mark hold ack

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

dnf --showduplicates list ack sudo dnf downgrade ack-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.00> sudo dnf versionlock add ack

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-2013-7069?

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

Is CVE-2013-7069 being exploited?

CVE-2013-7069 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-2013-7069 affect?

CVE-2013-7069 affects ack. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). ack 2.00 through 2.11_02 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a (1) --pager, (2) --regex, or (3) --output option in a .ackrc file in a directory to be searched.

How urgent is CVE-2013-7069?

Priority 51/100. On your watchlist

References

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