CVE-2018-16516: helpers.py in Flask-Admin 1.5.2 has Reflected XSS via a crafted URL.

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MEDIUM 6.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-16516 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.1) affecting flask-admin. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

helpers.py in Flask-Admin 1.5.2 has Reflected XSS via a crafted URL.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.1 (Medium)
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-79
Published	2018-09-05
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: flask-admin project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-09-05 14:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:44 UTCUpdated Record last modified

flask-admin project flask-admin DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.5.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.5.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy flask-admin || rpm -q flask-admin || flask-admin --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.5.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison flask-admin sudo apt install flask-admin=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5.2> sudo apt-mark hold flask-admin

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

dnf --showduplicates list flask-admin sudo dnf downgrade flask-admin-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5.2> sudo dnf versionlock add flask-admin

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-2018-16516?

flask-admin: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-16516 being exploited?

CVE-2018-16516 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-2018-16516 affect?

CVE-2018-16516 affects flask-admin. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.1). helpers.py in Flask-Admin 1.5.2 has Reflected XSS via a crafted URL.

How urgent is CVE-2018-16516?

Priority 44/100. Public exploit reference

Software pages

Flask vulnerabilities

References

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