CVE-2019-12138: MacDown 0.7.1 allows directory traversal, for execution of arbitrary programs, via a file:/// or ../ substring

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2019-12138 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting macdown. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

MacDown 0.7.1 allows directory traversal, for execution of arbitrary programs, via a file:/// or ../ substring in a shared note.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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	0.9% (top 42%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2019-05-16
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: macdown project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-05-16 14:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:14 UTCUpdated Record last modified

macdown project macdown DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.7.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.7.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.7.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison macdown sudo apt install macdown=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.7.1> sudo apt-mark hold macdown

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

dnf --showduplicates list macdown sudo dnf downgrade macdown-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.7.1> sudo dnf versionlock add macdown

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-2019-12138?

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

Is CVE-2019-12138 being exploited?

CVE-2019-12138 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-2019-12138 affect?

CVE-2019-12138 affects macdown. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). MacDown 0.7.1 allows directory traversal, for execution of arbitrary programs, via a file:/// or ../ substring in a shared note.

How urgent is CVE-2019-12138?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-12173 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE MacDown 0.7.1 (870) allows remote code execution via a file:\\\ URI, with a .app pathname, in the HREF attribu

References

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