CVE-2019-8904: do_bid_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has a stack-based buffer over-read, related to file_printf

This week

HIGH 8.8WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2019-8904 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting file, ubuntu linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

do_bid_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has a stack-based buffer over-read, related to file_printf and file_vprintf.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.5% (top 15%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2019-02-18
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: canonical · file project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-02-18 17:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:42 UTCUpdated Record last modified

file project file DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.35

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.35

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.35 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison file sudo apt install file=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.35> sudo apt-mark hold file

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

dnf --showduplicates list file sudo dnf downgrade file-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.35> sudo dnf versionlock add file

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.

canonical ubuntu linux MITIGATE

Affected: 16.04 · 18.04 · 18.10

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 16.04

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-2019-8904?

file: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2019-8904 being exploited?

CVE-2019-8904 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-2019-8904 affect?

CVE-2019-8904 affects file, ubuntu linux. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). do_bid_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has a stack-based buffer over-read, related to file_printf and file_vprintf.

How urgent is CVE-2019-8904?

Priority 62/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Ubuntu vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-8906 MEDIUM 4.4 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has an out-of-bounds read because memcpy is misused.
CVE-2022-48554 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE File before 5.43 has an stack-based buffer over-read in file_copystr in funcs.c
CVE-2019-8907 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (sta
CVE-2019-8905 MEDIUM 4.4 MITIGATE DOWNGRADE do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has a stack-based buffer over-read, related to file_print
CVE-2019-18218 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE cdf_read_property_info in cdf.c in file through 5.37 does not restrict the number of CDF_VECTOR elements, whic

References

← Back to latest CVEs