CVE-2022-34509: The wikifaces package in PyPI v1.0 included a code execution backdoor inserted by a third party.

This month

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2022-34509 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting wikifaces. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The wikifaces package in PyPI v1.0 included a code execution backdoor inserted by a third party.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.4% (top 27%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2022-07-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: wikifaces project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-07-22 15:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:50 UTCUpdated Record last modified

wikifaces project wikifaces DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison wikifaces sudo apt install wikifaces=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold wikifaces

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

dnf --showduplicates list wikifaces sudo dnf downgrade wikifaces-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add wikifaces

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-2022-34509?

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

Is CVE-2022-34509 being exploited?

CVE-2022-34509 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-2022-34509 affect?

CVE-2022-34509 affects wikifaces. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The wikifaces package in PyPI v1.0 included a code execution backdoor inserted by a third party.

How urgent is CVE-2022-34509?

Priority 58/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

PyPI packages vulnerabilities

References

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