CVE-2015-9541: Qt through 5.14 allows an exponential XML entity expansion attack via a crafted SVG document that is mishandle

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2015-9541 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting qt, fedora. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Qt through 5.14 allows an exponential XML entity expansion attack via a crafted SVG document that is mishandled in QXmlStreamReader, a related issue to CVE-2003-1564.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.6% (top 15%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-776
Published	2020-01-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: fedoraproject · qt

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-01-24 22:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:36 UTCUpdated Record last modified

qt qt UPGRADE

Affected: >= 5.5.0 and < 5.12.8

Fixed in: 5.12.8

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.5.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 5.12.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade qt

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade qt

Note

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

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison qt sudo apt install qt=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.5.0> sudo apt-mark hold qt

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list qt sudo dnf downgrade qt-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add qt

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.

fedoraproject fedora MITIGATE

Affected: 31 · 32

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 31

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2015-9541?

qt: upgrade to 5.12.8; fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2015-9541 being exploited?

CVE-2015-9541 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-2015-9541 affect?

CVE-2015-9541 affects qt, fedora. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Qt through 5.14 allows an exponential XML entity expansion attack via a crafted SVG document that is mishandled in QXmlStreamReader, a related issue to CVE-2003-1564.

How urgent is CVE-2015-9541?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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