CVE-2025-5981: Arbitrary file write as the OSV-SCALIBR user on the host system via a path traversal vulnerability when using

Routine

MEDIUM 6.5UPGRADE

CVE-2025-5981 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting osv-scalibr. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Arbitrary file write as the OSV-SCALIBR user on the host system via a path traversal vulnerability when using OSV-SCALIBR's unpack() function for container images. Particularly, when using the CLI flag --remote-image on untrusted container images.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 88%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-427, CWE-22
Published	2025-06-18
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Google Inc. · Vendor: google

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-06-18 09:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 09:49 UTCUpdated Record last modified

google osv-scalibr UPGRADE

Affected: >= 0.1.3 and < 0.1.8

Fixed in: 0.1.8

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.1.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy osv-scalibr || rpm -q osv-scalibr || osv-scalibr --version

2. UPGRADE to 0.1.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade osv-scalibr

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade osv-scalibr

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 0.1.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison osv-scalibr sudo apt install osv-scalibr=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.3> sudo apt-mark hold osv-scalibr

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

dnf --showduplicates list osv-scalibr sudo dnf downgrade osv-scalibr-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.1.3> sudo dnf versionlock add osv-scalibr

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-2025-5981?

osv-scalibr: upgrade to 0.1.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-5981 being exploited?

CVE-2025-5981 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-2025-5981 affect?

CVE-2025-5981 affects osv-scalibr. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Arbitrary file write as the OSV-SCALIBR user on the host system via a path traversal vulnerability when using OSV-SCALIBR's unpack() function for container images. Particularly, when using the CLI flag --remote-image on untrusted container

How urgent is CVE-2025-5981?

Priority 26/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

References

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