CVE-2024-6260: Malwarebytes Antimalware Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Routine

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2024-6260 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting antimalware. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Malwarebytes Antimalware Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Malwarebytes Antimalware. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the Malwarebytes service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 78%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2024-11-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Zero Day Initiative · Vendor: malwarebytes

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-11-22 20:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 08:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

malwarebytes antimalware DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.6.6

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.6.6

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.6.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison antimalware sudo apt install antimalware=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.6.6> sudo apt-mark hold antimalware

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

dnf --showduplicates list antimalware sudo dnf downgrade antimalware-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.6.6> sudo dnf versionlock add antimalware

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-2024-6260?

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

Is CVE-2024-6260 being exploited?

CVE-2024-6260 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-2024-6260 affect?

CVE-2024-6260 affects antimalware. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Malwarebytes Antimalware Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Malwarebytes Antimalware. An attacker must first obtain the abil

How urgent is CVE-2024-6260?

Priority 33/100. High severity

References

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