CVE-2023-48957: PureVPN Linux client 2.0.2-Productions fails to properly handle DNS queries, allowing them to bypass the VPN t

This week

MEDIUM 5.3REMOTEWATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-48957 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting purevpn. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PureVPN Linux client 2.0.2-Productions fails to properly handle DNS queries, allowing them to bypass the VPN tunnel and be sent directly to the ISP or default DNS servers.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 62%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2024-08-25
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: purevpn

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-08-25 17:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:35 UTCUpdated Record last modified

purevpn purevpn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison purevpn sudo apt install purevpn=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.2> sudo apt-mark hold purevpn

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

dnf --showduplicates list purevpn sudo dnf downgrade purevpn-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.2> sudo dnf versionlock add purevpn

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-2023-48957?

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

Is CVE-2023-48957 being exploited?

CVE-2023-48957 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-2023-48957 affect?

CVE-2023-48957 affects purevpn. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). PureVPN Linux client 2.0.2-Productions fails to properly handle DNS queries, allowing them to bypass the VPN tunnel and be sent directly to the ISP or default DNS servers.

How urgent is CVE-2023-48957?

Priority 43/100. Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

References

← Back to latest CVEs