CVE-2019-15224: The rest-client gem 1.6.10 through 1.6.13 for Ruby, as distributed on RubyGems.org, included a code-execution

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2019-15224 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting rest-client. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The rest-client gem 1.6.10 through 1.6.13 for Ruby, as distributed on RubyGems.org, included a code-execution backdoor inserted by a third party. Versions <=1.6.9 and >=1.6.14 are unaffected.

Why this priority

Critical severity
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	3.5% (top 11%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2019-08-19
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: rest-client project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-08-19 23:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:19 UTCUpdated Record last modified

rest-client project rest-client UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.6.10 and <= 1.6.13

Fixed in: newer than 1.6.13

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.6.10

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy rest-client || rpm -q rest-client || rest-client --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.6.13 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade rest-client

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade rest-client

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 1.6.10 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison rest-client sudo apt install rest-client=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6.10> sudo apt-mark hold rest-client

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

dnf --showduplicates list rest-client sudo dnf downgrade rest-client-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6.10> sudo dnf versionlock add rest-client

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-2019-15224?

rest-client: upgrade to newer than 1.6.13. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-15224 being exploited?

CVE-2019-15224 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-2019-15224 affect?

CVE-2019-15224 affects rest-client. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The rest-client gem 1.6.10 through 1.6.13 for Ruby, as distributed on RubyGems.org, included a code-execution backdoor inserted by a third party. Versions <=1.6.9 and >=1.6.14 are unaffected.

How urgent is CVE-2019-15224?

Priority 62/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Ruby vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2015-1820 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE REST client for Ruby (aka rest-client) before 1.8.0 allows remote attackers to conduct session fixation attack

References

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