CVE-2014-7206: The changelog command in Apt before 1.0.9.2 allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attac

Routine

LOW 3.6WATCHLISTUPGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2014-7206 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.6) affecting advanced package tool, apt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The changelog command in Apt before 1.0.9.2 allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the changelog file.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.6 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 67%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2014-10-15
Last modified	2026-06-17

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

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2014-10-15 14:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:14 UTCUpdated Record last modified

debian advanced package tool UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.0.9.1 · 1.0.8

Fixed in: newer than 1.0.9.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy advanced-package-tool || rpm -q advanced-package-tool || advanced-package-tool --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.0.9.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade advanced-package-tool

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade advanced-package-tool

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

debian apt DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9.7.9 ubunto3 · 0.9.7.9 ubunto4 · 0.9.7.9 ubunto5 · 1.0.9

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9.7.9

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9.7.9 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison apt sudo apt install apt=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.7.9> sudo apt-mark hold apt

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

dnf --showduplicates list apt sudo dnf downgrade apt-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.7.9> sudo dnf versionlock add apt

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-2014-7206?

advanced package tool: upgrade to newer than 1.0.9.1; apt: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2014-7206 being exploited?

CVE-2014-7206 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-2014-7206 affect?

CVE-2014-7206 affects advanced package tool, apt. Severity is low (CVSS 3.6). The changelog command in Apt before 1.0.9.2 allows local users to write to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the changelog file.

How urgent is CVE-2014-7206?

Priority 26/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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References

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