CVE-2019-13033: In CISOfy Lynis 2.x through 2.7.5, the license key can be obtained by looking at the process list when a data

Routine

LOW 3.3WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE

CVE-2019-13033 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.3) affecting lynis, debian linux, fedora. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In CISOfy Lynis 2.x through 2.7.5, the license key can be obtained by looking at the process list when a data upload is being performed. This license can be used to upload data to a central Lynis server. Although no data can be extracted by knowing the license key, it may be possible to upload the data of additional scans.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.3 (Low)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 70%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2020-06-18
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: cisofy · debian · fedoraproject

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-06-18 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:15 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cisofy lynis UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.0.0 and <= 2.7.5

Fixed in: newer than 2.7.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.7.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade lynis

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 2.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison lynis sudo apt install lynis=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold lynis

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

dnf --showduplicates list lynis sudo dnf downgrade lynis-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add lynis

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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0 · 9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0

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.

fedoraproject fedora MITIGATE

Affected: 30 · 31

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 30

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.

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-2019-13033?

lynis: upgrade to newer than 2.7.5; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-13033 being exploited?

CVE-2019-13033 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-2019-13033 affect?

CVE-2019-13033 affects lynis, debian linux, fedora. Severity is low (CVSS 3.3). In CISOfy Lynis 2.x through 2.7.5, the license key can be obtained by looking at the process list when a data upload is being performed. This license can be used to upload data to a central Lynis server. Although no data can be extracted by

How urgent is CVE-2019-13033?

Priority 24/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2020-13882 MEDIUM 4.2 UPGRADE MITIGATE CISOfy Lynis before 3.0.0 has Incorrect Access Control because of a TOCTOU race condition

References

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