PatchTheCVECVE-2019-8906: do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has an out-of-bounds read because memcpy is misused.
36
Routine
MEDIUM 4.4WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE
CVE-2019-8906 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.4) affecting file, ubuntu linux, leap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has an out-of-bounds read because memcpy is misused.
Why this priority
- Public exploit reference
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 4.4 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.5% (top 57%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-125 |
| Published | 2019-02-18 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-08 |
Last updated 2026-10-08 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated 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.
opensuse leap MITIGATE
Affected: 15.0 · 42.3
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 15.0
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.
apple iphone os UPGRADE
Affected: < 12.2
Fixed in: 12.2
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
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.
apple mac os x UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.14.4
Fixed in: 10.14.4
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
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.
apple tvos UPGRADE
Affected: < 12.2
Fixed in: 12.2
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
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.
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-2019-8906?
file: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; leap: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2019-8906 being exploited?
CVE-2019-8906 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-2019-8906 affect?
CVE-2019-8906 affects file, ubuntu linux, leap. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.4). do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 has an out-of-bounds read because memcpy is misused.
How urgent is CVE-2019-8906?
Priority 36/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist
Software pages
Ubuntu vulnerabilities · tvOS vulnerabilities
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