PatchTheCVECVE-2016-10193: The espeak-ruby gem before 1.0.3 for Ruby allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell meta
CVE-2016-10193 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting espeak-ruby. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The espeak-ruby gem before 1.0.3 for Ruby allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a string to the speak, save, bytes or bytes_wav method in lib/espeak/speech.rb.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 2.4% (top 16%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-284 |
| Published | 2017-03-03 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2016-10193?
espeak-ruby: upgrade to newer than 1.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2016-10193 being exploited?
CVE-2016-10193 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-2016-10193 affect?
CVE-2016-10193 affects espeak-ruby. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The espeak-ruby gem before 1.0.3 for Ruby allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a string to the speak, save, bytes or bytes_wav method in lib/espeak/speech.rb.
How urgent is CVE-2016-10193?
Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action