CVE-2024-48991: Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as ro

Q: How do I fix CVE-2024-48991?

needrestart: upgrade to 3.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2024-48991 being exploited?

CVE-2024-48991 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2024-48991 affect?

CVE-2024-48991 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 winning a race condition and tricking needrestart into running their own, fake Python interpreter (instead of the system's r

Q: How urgent is CVE-2024-48991?

Priority 51/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2024-48991 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 winning a race condition and tricking needrestart into running their own, fake Python interpreter (instead of the system's real Python interpreter). The initial security fix (6ce6136) introduced a regression which was subsequently resolved (42af5d3).

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

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	6.1% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-362
Published	2024-11-19
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Canonical Ltd. · Vendor: needrestart project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-11-19 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 07:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

needrestart project needrestart UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.8

Fixed in: 3.8

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 3.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade needrestart

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2024-48991?

needrestart: upgrade to 3.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-48991 being exploited?

CVE-2024-48991 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-2024-48991 affect?

CVE-2024-48991 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 winning a race condition and tricking needrestart into running their own, fake Python interpreter (instead of the system's r

How urgent is CVE-2024-48991?

Priority 51/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities

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-2024-48990 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

References

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