CVE-2024-27297: Nix is a package manager for Linux and other Unix systems

This month

MEDIUM 6.3WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2024-27297 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.3) affecting nix. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Nix is a package manager for Linux and other Unix systems. A fixed-output derivations on Linux can send file descriptors to files in the Nix store to another program running on the host (or another fixed-output derivation) via Unix domain sockets in the abstract namespace. This allows to modify the output of the derivation, after Nix has registered the path as "valid" and immutable in the Nix database. In particular, this allows the output of fix

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Adjacent network
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 52%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-367
Published	2024-03-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: nixos

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-03-11 22:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 07:19 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nixos nix UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.3.18 · >= 2.4 and < 2.18.2 · >= 2.19.0 and < 2.19.4 · >= 2.20.0 and < 2.20.5

Fixed in: 2.3.18, 2.18.2, 2.19.4, 2.20.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.4

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 2.3.18 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade nix

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 2.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison nix sudo apt install nix=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4> sudo apt-mark hold nix

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

dnf --showduplicates list nix sudo dnf downgrade nix-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4> sudo dnf versionlock add nix

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-2024-27297?

nix: upgrade to 2.3.18, 2.18.2, 2.19.4, 2.20.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-27297 being exploited?

CVE-2024-27297 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-2024-27297 affect?

CVE-2024-27297 affects nix. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.3). Nix is a package manager for Linux and other Unix systems. A fixed-output derivations on Linux can send file descriptors to files in the Nix store to another program running on the host (or another fixed-output derivation) via Unix domain s

How urgent is CVE-2024-27297?

Priority 44/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-39860 CRITICAL 9.0 UPGRADE Nix is a package manager for Linux and other Unix systems
CVE-2024-45593 CRITICAL 9.0 UPGRADE Nix is a package manager for Linux and other Unix systems
CVE-2021-45707 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in the nix crate 0.16.0 and later before 0.20.2, 0.21.x before 0.21.2, and 0.22.x befo

References

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