CVE-2019-17582: A use-after-free in the _zip_dirent_read function of zip_dirent.c in libzip 1.2.0 allows attackers to have an

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2019-17582 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting libzip. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A use-after-free in the _zip_dirent_read function of zip_dirent.c in libzip 1.2.0 allows attackers to have an unspecified impact by attempting to unzip a malformed ZIP archive. NOTE: the discoverer states "This use-after-free is triggered prior to the double free reported in CVE-2017-12858."

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.5% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2021-02-09
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: libzip

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-02-09 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:24 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libzip libzip DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libzip sudo apt install libzip=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.0> sudo apt-mark hold libzip

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

dnf --showduplicates list libzip sudo dnf downgrade libzip-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add libzip

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-2019-17582?

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

Is CVE-2019-17582 being exploited?

CVE-2019-17582 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-2019-17582 affect?

CVE-2019-17582 affects libzip. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). A use-after-free in the _zip_dirent_read function of zip_dirent.c in libzip 1.2.0 allows attackers to have an unspecified impact by attempting to unzip a malformed ZIP archive. NOTE: the discoverer states "This use-after-free is triggered p

How urgent is CVE-2019-17582?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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