CVE-2020-15167: In Miller (command line utility) using the configuration file support introduced in version 5.9.0, it is possi

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HIGH 8.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-15167 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.2) affecting miller. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In Miller (command line utility) using the configuration file support introduced in version 5.9.0, it is possible for an attacker to cause Miller to run arbitrary code by placing a malicious `.mlrrc` file in the working directory. See linked GitHub Security Advisory for complete details. A fix is ready and will be released as Miller 5.9.1.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.2 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 62%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94, CWE-427
Published	2020-09-02
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: johnkerl

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-09-02 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

johnkerl miller DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.9.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.9.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison miller sudo apt install miller=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.9.0> sudo apt-mark hold miller

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

dnf --showduplicates list miller sudo dnf downgrade miller-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.9.0> sudo dnf versionlock add miller

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-2020-15167?

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

Is CVE-2020-15167 being exploited?

CVE-2020-15167 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-2020-15167 affect?

CVE-2020-15167 affects miller. Severity is high (CVSS 8.2). In Miller (command line utility) using the configuration file support introduced in version 5.9.0, it is possible for an attacker to cause Miller to run arbitrary code by placing a malicious `.mlrrc` file in the working directory. See linke

How urgent is CVE-2020-15167?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

GitHub vulnerabilities

References

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