CVE-2022-32278: XFCE 4.16 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code because xdg-open can execute a .desktop file on an attack

This month

HIGH 8.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2022-32278 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting exo, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

XFCE 4.16 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code because xdg-open can execute a .desktop file on an attacker-controlled FTP server.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.7% (top 23%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2022-06-13
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · xfce

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-06-13 22:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xfce exo UPGRADE

Affected: < 4.16.4 · >= 4.17.0 and < 4.17.2

Fixed in: 4.16.4, 4.17.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.17.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 4.16.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade exo

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade exo

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 4.17.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison exo sudo apt install exo=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.17.0> sudo apt-mark hold exo

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

dnf --showduplicates list exo sudo dnf downgrade exo-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.17.0> sudo dnf versionlock add exo

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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 9.0 · 10.0 · 11.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.0

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.

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-2022-32278?

exo: upgrade to 4.16.4, 4.17.2; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-32278 being exploited?

CVE-2022-32278 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-2022-32278 affect?

CVE-2022-32278 affects exo, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). XFCE 4.16 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code because xdg-open can execute a .desktop file on an attacker-controlled FTP server.

How urgent is CVE-2022-32278?

Priority 55/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

References

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