PatchTheCVECVE-2017-13649: UnrealIRCd 4.0.13 and earlier creates a PID file after dropping privileges to a non-root account, which might
CVE-2017-13649 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting unrealircd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
UnrealIRCd 4.0.13 and earlier creates a PID file after dropping privileges to a non-root account, which might allow local users to kill arbitrary processes by leveraging access to this non-root account for PID file modification before a root script executes a "kill `cat /pathname`" command. NOTE: the vendor indicates that there is no common or recommended scenario in which a root script would execute this kill command.
Why this priority
- No elevated risk signals yet
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.5 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.3% (top 79%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-665 |
| Published | 2017-08-23 |
| 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
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-2017-13649?
unrealircd: upgrade to newer than 4.0.13. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2017-13649 being exploited?
CVE-2017-13649 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-2017-13649 affect?
CVE-2017-13649 affects unrealircd. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). UnrealIRCd 4.0.13 and earlier creates a PID file after dropping privileges to a non-root account, which might allow local users to kill arbitrary processes by leveraging access to this non-root account for PID file modification before a roo
How urgent is CVE-2017-13649?
Priority 24/100. No elevated risk signals yet.
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