CVE-2022-33003: The watools package in PyPI v0.0.1 to v0.0.8 was discovered to contain a code execution backdoor via the reque

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2022-33003 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting watools. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The watools package in PyPI v0.0.1 to v0.0.8 was discovered to contain a code execution backdoor via the request package. This vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive user information and digital currency keys, as well as escalate privileges.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2022-06-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: pypi

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-06-24 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:48 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pypi watools UPGRADE

Affected: >= 0.0.1 and <= 0.0.8

Fixed in: newer than 0.0.8

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.0.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 0.0.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade watools

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 0.0.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison watools sudo apt install watools=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.0.1> sudo apt-mark hold watools

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

dnf --showduplicates list watools sudo dnf downgrade watools-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.0.1> sudo dnf versionlock add watools

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-2022-33003?

watools: upgrade to newer than 0.0.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-33003 being exploited?

CVE-2022-33003 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-2022-33003 affect?

CVE-2022-33003 affects watools. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The watools package in PyPI v0.0.1 to v0.0.8 was discovered to contain a code execution backdoor via the request package. This vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive user information and digital currency keys, as well as escalat

How urgent is CVE-2022-33003?

Priority 65/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

PyPI packages vulnerabilities

References

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