CVE-2016-4446: The allow_execstack plugin for setroubleshoot allows local users to execute arbitrary commands by triggering a

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-4446?

setroubleshoot: upgrade to newer than -; enterprise linux desktop: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; enterprise linux hpc node: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-4446 being exploited?

CVE-2016-4446 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2016-4446 affect?

CVE-2016-4446 affects setroubleshoot, enterprise linux desktop, enterprise linux hpc node. Severity is high (CVSS 7.0). The allow_execstack plugin for setroubleshoot allows local users to execute arbitrary commands by triggering an execstack SELinux denial with a crafted filename, related to the commands.getoutput function.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2016-4446?

Priority 45/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

This month

HIGH 7.0WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2016-4446 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.0) affecting setroubleshoot, enterprise linux desktop, enterprise linux hpc node. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The allow_execstack plugin for setroubleshoot allows local users to execute arbitrary commands by triggering an execstack SELinux denial with a crafted filename, related to the commands.getoutput function.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.0 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 59%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-77
Published	2017-04-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: redhat · setroubleshoot project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-04-11 18:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

setroubleshoot project setroubleshoot UPGRADE

Affected: <= -

Fixed in: newer than -

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

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

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade setroubleshoot

Note

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

redhat enterprise linux desktop MITIGATE

Affected: 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

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.

redhat enterprise linux hpc node MITIGATE

Affected: 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

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.

redhat enterprise linux server MITIGATE

Affected: 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

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.

redhat enterprise linux workstation MITIGATE

Affected: 7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

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-2016-4446?

setroubleshoot: upgrade to newer than -; enterprise linux desktop: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; enterprise linux hpc node: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-4446 being exploited?

CVE-2016-4446 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-2016-4446 affect?

CVE-2016-4446 affects setroubleshoot, enterprise linux desktop, enterprise linux hpc node. Severity is high (CVSS 7.0). The allow_execstack plugin for setroubleshoot allows local users to execute arbitrary commands by triggering an execstack SELinux denial with a crafted filename, related to the commands.getoutput function.

How urgent is CVE-2016-4446?

Priority 45/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

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References

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