CVE-2019-12169: ATutor 2.2.4 allows Arbitrary File Upload and Directory Traversal, resulting in remote code execution via a ".

This week

HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2019-12169 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting atutor. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ATutor 2.2.4 allows Arbitrary File Upload and Directory Traversal, resulting in remote code execution via a ".." pathname in a ZIP archive to the mods/_core/languages/language_import.php (aka Import New Language) or mods/_standard/patcher/index_admin.php (aka Patcher) component.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	72.2% (top 1%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2019-06-03
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: atutor

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-06-03 20:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:14 UTCUpdated Record last modified

atutor atutor UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.2.1 and <= 2.2.4

Fixed in: newer than 2.2.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.2.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.2.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade atutor

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade atutor

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 2.2.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison atutor sudo apt install atutor=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2.1> sudo apt-mark hold atutor

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

dnf --showduplicates list atutor sudo dnf downgrade atutor-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2.1> sudo dnf versionlock add atutor

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Metasploit: ATutor 2.2.4 - Directory Traversal / Remote Code Execution,

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-2019-12169?

atutor: upgrade to newer than 2.2.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-12169 being exploited?

CVE-2019-12169 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-2019-12169 affect?

CVE-2019-12169 affects atutor. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). ATutor 2.2.4 allows Arbitrary File Upload and Directory Traversal, resulting in remote code execution via a ".." pathname in a ZIP archive to the mods/_core/languages/language_import.php (aka Import New Language) or mods/_standard/patcher/i

How urgent is CVE-2019-12169?

Priority 61/100. High severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-27008 MEDIUM 6.1 DOWNGRADE A Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the function encrypt_password() in login.tmpl.php in ATutor 2.2.
CVE-2021-43498 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE An Access Control vulnerability exists in ATutor 2.2.4 in password_reminder.php when the g, id, h, form_passwo
CVE-2020-23341 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE A reflected cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the /header.tmpl.php component of ATutor 2.2.4 allows
CVE-2019-7172 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE A stored-self XSS exists in ATutor through v2.2.4, allowing an attacker to execute HTML or JavaScript code in
CVE-2019-12170 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE ATutor through 2.2.4 is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads via the mods/_core/backups/upload.php (aka backup

References

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