PatchTheCVECVE-2016-1252: The apt package in Debian jessie before 1.0.9.8.4, in Debian unstable before 1.4~beta2, in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS be
CVE-2016-1252 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.9) affecting advanced package tool, ubuntu linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The apt package in Debian jessie before 1.0.9.8.4, in Debian unstable before 1.4~beta2, in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS before 1.0.1ubuntu2.17, in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS before 1.2.15ubuntu0.2, and in Ubuntu 16.10 before 1.3.2ubuntu0.1 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to bypass a repository-signing protection mechanism by leveraging improper error handling when validating InRelease file signatures.
Why this priority
- EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.9 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 7.2% (top 6%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-295 |
| Published | 2017-12-05 |
| 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
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
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-2016-1252?
advanced package tool: upgrade to 1.0.9.8.4; ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2016-1252 being exploited?
CVE-2016-1252 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-2016-1252 affect?
CVE-2016-1252 affects advanced package tool, ubuntu linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.9). The apt package in Debian jessie before 1.0.9.8.4, in Debian unstable before 1.4~beta2, in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS before 1.0.1ubuntu2.17, in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS before 1.2.15ubuntu0.2, and in Ubuntu 16.10 before 1.3.2ubuntu0.1 allows man-in-the-midd
How urgent is CVE-2016-1252?
Priority 59/100. EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist
Software pages
Ubuntu vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities
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