CVE-2017-17517: libsylph/utils.c in Sylpheed through 3.6 does not validate strings before launching the program specified by t

Q: How do I fix CVE-2017-17517?

sylpheed: upgrade to newer than 3.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2017-17517 being exploited?

CVE-2017-17517 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-2017-17517 affect?

CVE-2017-17517 affects sylpheed. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). libsylph/utils.c in Sylpheed through 3.6 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.

This month

HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2017-17517 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting sylpheed. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

libsylph/utils.c in Sylpheed through 3.6 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

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

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: sylpheed 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

sylpheed project sylpheed UPGRADE

Affected: <= 3.6

Fixed in: newer than 3.6

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade sylpheed

Note

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

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-2017-17517?

sylpheed: upgrade to newer than 3.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-17517 being exploited?

CVE-2017-17517 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-2017-17517 affect?

CVE-2017-17517 affects sylpheed. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). libsylph/utils.c in Sylpheed through 3.6 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.

How urgent is CVE-2017-17517?

Priority 48/100. High severity

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References

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