PatchTheCVECVE-2016-9951: An issue was discovered in Apport before 2.20.4
CVE-2016-9951 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting apport. 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. A malicious Apport crash file can contain a restart command in `RespawnCommand` or `ProcCmdline` fields. This command will be executed if a user clicks the Relaunch button on the Apport prompt from the malicious crash file. The fix is to only show the Relaunch button on Apport crash files generated by local systems. The Relaunch button will be hidden when crash files are opened directly in Apport-G
Why this priority
- EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 6.5 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | Required |
| EPSS exploit chance | 6.7% (top 6%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-284 |
| 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-2016-9951?
apport: upgrade to newer than 2.20.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2016-9951 being exploited?
CVE-2016-9951 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-2016-9951 affect?
CVE-2016-9951 affects apport. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). An issue was discovered in Apport before 2.20.4. A malicious Apport crash file can contain a restart command in `RespawnCommand` or `ProcCmdline` fields. This command will be executed if a user clicks the Relaunch button on the Apport promp
How urgent is CVE-2016-9951?
Priority 51/100. EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference
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