CVE-2023-38336: netkit-rcp in rsh-client 0.17-24 allows command injection via filenames because /bin/sh is used by susystem, a

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-38336 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting netkit. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

netkit-rcp in rsh-client 0.17-24 allows command injection via filenames because /bin/sh is used by susystem, a related issue to CVE-2006-0225, CVE-2019-7283, and CVE-2020-15778.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
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	2.1% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-77
Published	2023-07-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: netkit

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-07-14 22:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:09 UTCUpdated Record last modified

netkit netkit DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.17-24

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.17-24

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.17-24 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison netkit sudo apt install netkit=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.17-24> sudo apt-mark hold netkit

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

dnf --showduplicates list netkit sudo dnf downgrade netkit-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.17-24> sudo dnf versionlock add netkit

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-2023-38336?

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

Is CVE-2023-38336 being exploited?

CVE-2023-38336 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-2023-38336 affect?

CVE-2023-38336 affects netkit. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). netkit-rcp in rsh-client 0.17-24 allows command injection via filenames because /bin/sh is used by susystem, a related issue to CVE-2006-0225, CVE-2019-7283, and CVE-2020-15778.

How urgent is CVE-2023-38336?

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

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-7283 HIGH 7.4 UPGRADE MITIGATE An issue was discovered in rcp in NetKit through 0.17
CVE-2019-7282 MEDIUM 5.9 UPGRADE MITIGATE In NetKit through 0.17, rcp.c in the rcp client allows remote rsh servers to bypass intended access restrictio
CVE-2006-6008 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE ftpd in Linux Netkit (linux-ftpd) 0.17, and possibly other versions, does not check the return status of certa
CVE-2004-0911 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE telnetd for netkit 0.17 and earlier, and possibly other versions, on Debian GNU/Linux allows remote attackers

References

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