CVE-2016-7838: Untrusted search path vulnerability in WinSparkle versions prior to 0.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute a

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-7838?

winsparkle: upgrade to newer than 0.5.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-7838 being exploited?

CVE-2016-7838 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-2016-7838 affect?

CVE-2016-7838 affects winsparkle. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Untrusted search path vulnerability in WinSparkle versions prior to 0.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted executable file in an unspecified directory.

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2016-7838 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting winsparkle. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Untrusted search path vulnerability in WinSparkle versions prior to 0.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted executable file in an unspecified directory.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.6% (top 15%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-426
Published	2017-06-09
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): JPCERT/CC · Vendor: winsparkle

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-06-09 16:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:53 UTCUpdated Record last modified

winsparkle winsparkle UPGRADE

Affected: <= 0.5.2

Fixed in: newer than 0.5.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 0.5.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade winsparkle

Note

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

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-2016-7838?

winsparkle: upgrade to newer than 0.5.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-7838 being exploited?

CVE-2016-7838 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-2016-7838 affect?

CVE-2016-7838 affects winsparkle. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Untrusted search path vulnerability in WinSparkle versions prior to 0.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a specially crafted executable file in an unspecified directory.

How urgent is CVE-2016-7838?

Priority 49/100. High severity

References

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