CVE-2016-7162: The _g_file_remove_directory function in file-utils.c in File Roller 3.5.4 through 3.20.2 allows remote attack

This week

HIGH 7.5REMOTEWATCHLISTMITIGATEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-7162 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ubuntu linux, file roller. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The _g_file_remove_directory function in file-utils.c in File Roller 3.5.4 through 3.20.2 allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a folder in an archive.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	3.3% (top 11%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2016-09-26
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: canonical · file roller project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-09-26 15:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:52 UTCUpdated Record last modified

canonical ubuntu linux MITIGATE

Affected: 14.04 · 16.04

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 14.04

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.

file roller project file roller DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.5.4 · 3.6.0 · 3.6.1 · 3.6.1.1 · 3.6.2 · 3.6.3 · 3.6.4 · 3.8.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.5.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy file-roller || rpm -q file-roller || file-roller --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.5.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison file-roller sudo apt install file-roller=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.5.4> sudo apt-mark hold file-roller

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

dnf --showduplicates list file-roller sudo dnf downgrade file-roller-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.5.4> sudo dnf versionlock add file-roller

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-2016-7162?

ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; file roller: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-7162 being exploited?

CVE-2016-7162 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-2016-7162 affect?

CVE-2016-7162 affects ubuntu linux, file roller. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The _g_file_remove_directory function in file-utils.c in File Roller 3.5.4 through 3.20.2 allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via a symlink attack on a folder in an archive.

How urgent is CVE-2016-7162?

Priority 63/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Ubuntu vulnerabilities

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References

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