CVE-2017-12904: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command in bookmarking function of Newsbeuter versio

This month

HIGH 8.8WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2017-12904 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting newsbeuter, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command in bookmarking function of Newsbeuter versions 0.7 through 2.9 allows remote attackers to perform user-assisted code execution by crafting an RSS item that includes shell code in its title and/or URL.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	6.4% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-943
Published	2017-08-23
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · newsbeuter

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-08-23 14:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

newsbeuter newsbeuter DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.7 · 0.8 · 0.8.1 · 0.8.2 · 0.9 · 0.9.1 · 1.0 · 1.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.7

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison newsbeuter sudo apt install newsbeuter=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.7> sudo apt-mark hold newsbeuter

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

dnf --showduplicates list newsbeuter sudo dnf downgrade newsbeuter-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.7> sudo dnf versionlock add newsbeuter

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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 7.0 · 8.0 · 9.0

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-2017-12904?

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

Is CVE-2017-12904 being exploited?

CVE-2017-12904 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-2017-12904 affect?

CVE-2017-12904 affects newsbeuter, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command in bookmarking function of Newsbeuter versions 0.7 through 2.9 allows remote attackers to perform user-assisted code execution by crafting an RSS item that includes shell cod

How urgent is CVE-2017-12904?

Priority 59/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-14500 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command in the podcast playback function of Podbeute

References

← Back to latest CVEs