PatchTheCVECVE-2019-10780: BibTeX-ruby before 5.1.0 allows shell command injection due to unsanitized user input being passed directly to
CVE-2019-10780 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting bibtex-ruby. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
BibTeX-ruby before 5.1.0 allows shell command injection due to unsanitized user input being passed directly to the built-in Ruby Kernel.open method through BibTeX.open.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 2.8% (top 14%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-78 |
| Published | 2020-01-22 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2019-10780?
bibtex-ruby: upgrade to 5.1.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2019-10780 being exploited?
CVE-2019-10780 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-2019-10780 affect?
CVE-2019-10780 affects bibtex-ruby. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). BibTeX-ruby before 5.1.0 allows shell command injection due to unsanitized user input being passed directly to the built-in Ruby Kernel.open method through BibTeX.open.
How urgent is CVE-2019-10780?
Priority 66/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action