CVE-2015-8107: Format string vulnerability in GNU a2ps 4.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

This month

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2015-8107 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting a2ps. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in GNU a2ps 4.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.8% (top 14%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-134
Published	2017-04-13
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gnu

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-04-13 14:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:34 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnu a2ps DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.14

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.14

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy a2ps || rpm -q a2ps || a2ps --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.14 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison a2ps sudo apt install a2ps=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.14> sudo apt-mark hold a2ps

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

dnf --showduplicates list a2ps sudo dnf downgrade a2ps-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.14> sudo dnf versionlock add a2ps

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-2015-8107?

a2ps: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2015-8107 being exploited?

CVE-2015-8107 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-2015-8107 affect?

CVE-2015-8107 affects a2ps. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Format string vulnerability in GNU a2ps 4.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

How urgent is CVE-2015-8107?

Priority 49/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2014-0466 MEDIUM 6.8 DOWNGRADE The fixps script in a2ps 4.14 does not use the -dSAFER option when executing gs, which allows context-dependen
CVE-2004-1377 LOW 2.1 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE The (1) fixps (aka fixps.in) and (2) psmandup (aka psmandup.in) scripts in a2ps before 4.13 allow local users
CVE-2004-1170 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE a2ps 4.13 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the filename.
CVE-2001-1593 LOW 2.1 UPGRADE The tempname_ensure function in lib/routines.h in a2ps 4.14 and earlier, as used by the spy_user function and

References

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