CVE-2017-16928: The arq_updater binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac allows local users to write to arbitrary files and cons

Q: How do I fix CVE-2017-16928?

arq: upgrade to newer than 5.10. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2017-16928 being exploited?

CVE-2017-16928 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-2017-16928 affect?

CVE-2017-16928 affects arq. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The arq_updater binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac allows local users to write to arbitrary files and consequently gain root privileges via a crafted update URL, as demonstrated by file:///tmp/blah/Arq.zip.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2017-16928?

Priority 48/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2017-16928 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting arq. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The arq_updater binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac allows local users to write to arbitrary files and consequently gain root privileges via a crafted update URL, as demonstrated by file:///tmp/blah/Arq.zip.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 37%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-732
Published	2018-01-31
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: haystacksoftware

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-01-31 20:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

haystacksoftware arq UPGRADE

Affected: <= 5.10

Fixed in: newer than 5.10

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 5.10 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade arq

Note

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

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Arq 5.10 - Local Privilege Escalation (1)

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-2017-16928?

arq: upgrade to newer than 5.10. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-16928 being exploited?

CVE-2017-16928 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-2017-16928 affect?

CVE-2017-16928 affects arq. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The arq_updater binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac allows local users to write to arbitrary files and consequently gain root privileges via a crafted update URL, as demonstrated by file:///tmp/blah/Arq.zip.

How urgent is CVE-2017-16928?

Priority 48/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-16945 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE The standardrestorer binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac allows local users to write to arbitrary files and
CVE-2017-16895 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE The (1) arq_updater, (2) arqcommitter, (3) standardrestorer, (4) arqglacierrestorer, and (5) arqs3glacierresto
CVE-2017-15357 HIGH 7.4 UPGRADE The setpermissions function in the auto-updater in Arq before 5.9.7 for Mac allows local users to gain root pr

References

← Back to latest CVEs