CVE-2017-5932: The path autocompletion feature in Bash 4.4 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted filename start

Routine

HIGH 7.8MITIGATE

CVE-2017-5932 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting bash. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The path autocompletion feature in Bash 4.4 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted filename starting with a " (double quote) character and a command substitution metacharacter.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 63%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2017-03-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: gnu

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-03-27 15:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:21 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnu bash MITIGATE

Affected: 4.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

No fixed or unaffected release known

Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.

Downgrade not recommended

This is a core system component: downgrading can break the OS. Apply the distro update or the vendor mitigation.

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-2017-5932?

bash: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-5932 being exploited?

CVE-2017-5932 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-2017-5932 affect?

CVE-2017-5932 affects bash. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The path autocompletion feature in Bash 4.4 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted filename starting with a " (double quote) character and a command substitution metacharacter.

How urgent is CVE-2017-5932?

Priority 37/100. High severity

Related CVEs

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CVE-2019-9924 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE rbash in Bash before 4.4-beta2 did not prevent the shell user from modifying BASH_CMDS, thus allowing the user
CVE-2016-9401 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE MITIGATE popd in bash might allow local users to bypass the restricted shell and cause a use-after-free via a crafted a
CVE-2016-7543 HIGH 8.4 UPGRADE MITIGATE Bash before 4.4 allows local users to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges via crafted SHELLOPTS an

References

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