CVE-2018-0501: The mirror:// method implementation in Advanced Package Tool (APT) 1.6.x before 1.6.4 and 1.7.x before 1.7.0~a

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MEDIUM 5.9REMOTEWATCHLISTMITIGATEUPGRADE

CVE-2018-0501 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.9) affecting ubuntu linux, advanced package tool. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The mirror:// method implementation in Advanced Package Tool (APT) 1.6.x before 1.6.4 and 1.7.x before 1.7.0~alpha3 mishandles gpg signature verification for the InRelease file of a fallback mirror, aka mirrorfail.

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.9 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 39%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-347
Published	2018-08-21
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Debian GNU/Linux · Vendor: canonical · debian

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-08-21 00:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:31 UTCUpdated Record last modified

canonical ubuntu linux MITIGATE

Affected: 18.04

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 18.04

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

debian advanced package tool UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.6.0 and < 1.6.4 · 1.7.0 alpha · 1.7.0 alpha1 · 1.7.0 alpha2

Fixed in: 1.6.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.6.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy advanced-package-tool || rpm -q advanced-package-tool || advanced-package-tool --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.6.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade advanced-package-tool

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade advanced-package-tool

Note

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

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.6.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison advanced-package-tool sudo apt install advanced-package-tool=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6.0> sudo apt-mark hold advanced-package-tool

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list advanced-package-tool sudo dnf downgrade advanced-package-tool-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6.0> sudo dnf versionlock add advanced-package-tool

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-2018-0501?

ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; advanced package tool: upgrade to 1.6.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-0501 being exploited?

CVE-2018-0501 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-2018-0501 affect?

CVE-2018-0501 affects ubuntu linux, advanced package tool. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.9). The mirror:// method implementation in Advanced Package Tool (APT) 1.6.x before 1.6.4 and 1.7.x before 1.7.0~alpha3 mishandles gpg signature verification for the InRelease file of a fallback mirror, aka mirrorfail.

How urgent is CVE-2018-0501?

Priority 46/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Ubuntu vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities

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References

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