PatchTheCVECVE-2016-9950: An issue was discovered in Apport before 2.20.4
CVE-2016-9950 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting apport, ubuntu linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
An issue was discovered in Apport before 2.20.4. There is a path traversal issue in the Apport crash file "Package" and "SourcePackage" fields. These fields are used to build a path to the package specific hook files in the /usr/share/apport/package-hooks/ directory. An attacker can exploit this path traversal to execute arbitrary Python files from the local system.
Why this priority
- High severity
- EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- On your watchlist
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 | 6.5% (top 6%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-22 |
| Published | 2016-12-17 |
| 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-2016-9950?
apport: upgrade to newer than 2.20.3; ubuntu linux: upgrade to newer than 12.10. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2016-9950 being exploited?
CVE-2016-9950 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-2016-9950 affect?
CVE-2016-9950 affects apport, ubuntu linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An issue was discovered in Apport before 2.20.4. There is a path traversal issue in the Apport crash file "Package" and "SourcePackage" fields. These fields are used to build a path to the package specific hook files in the /usr/share/appor
How urgent is CVE-2016-9950?
Priority 61/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist
Software pages
Python vulnerabilities · Ubuntu vulnerabilities
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