PatchTheCVECVE-2024-48990: Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as ro
CVE-2024-48990 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting needrestart. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root by tricking needrestart into running the Python interpreter with an attacker-controlled PYTHONPATH environment variable.
Why this priority
- High severity
- EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 21.3% (top 2%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-427 |
| Published | 2024-11-19 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- Metasploit: Ubuntu needrestart Privilege Escalation
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-2024-48990?
needrestart: upgrade to 3.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2024-48990 being exploited?
CVE-2024-48990 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-2024-48990 affect?
CVE-2024-48990 affects needrestart. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root by tricking needrestart into running the Python interpreter with an attacker-controlled PYTHONPATH environment variable.
How urgent is CVE-2024-48990?
Priority 57/100. High severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference
Software pages
Related CVEs
- CVE-2024-48992 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as ro
- CVE-2024-48991 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as ro
- CVE-2024-11003 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, passes unsanitized data to a library (Modules::ScanDep