CVE-2017-17516: scripts/inspect_webbrowser.py in Reddit Terminal Viewer (RTV) 1.19.0 does not validate strings before launchin

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HIGH 8.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-17516 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting reddit terminal viewer. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

scripts/inspect_webbrowser.py in Reddit Terminal Viewer (RTV) 1.19.0 does not validate strings before launching the program specified by the BROWSER environment variable, which might allow remote attackers to conduct argument-injection attacks via a crafted URL.

Why this priority

High severity

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	1.2% (top 31%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-74
Published	2017-12-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: reddit terminal viewer project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-12-14 16:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

reddit terminal viewer project reddit terminal viewer DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.19.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.19.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy reddit-terminal-viewer || rpm -q reddit-terminal-viewer || reddit-terminal-viewer --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.19.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison reddit-terminal-viewer sudo apt install reddit-terminal-viewer=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.19.0> sudo apt-mark hold reddit-terminal-viewer

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

dnf --showduplicates list reddit-terminal-viewer sudo dnf downgrade reddit-terminal-viewer-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.19.0> sudo dnf versionlock add reddit-terminal-viewer

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.

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-2017-17516?

reddit terminal viewer: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-17516 being exploited?

CVE-2017-17516 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-2017-17516 affect?

CVE-2017-17516 affects reddit terminal viewer. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). scripts/inspect_webbrowser.py in Reddit Terminal Viewer (RTV) 1.19.0 does not validate strings before launching the program specified by the BROWSER environment variable, which might allow remote attackers to conduct argument-injection atta

How urgent is CVE-2017-17516?

Priority 48/100. High severity

References

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