CVE-2026-14973: IBM Aspera Desktop App 1.0.5 through 1.0.19 IBM Aspera for desktop can allow files to be written outside of th

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CRITICAL 9.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-14973 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting aspera. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

IBM Aspera Desktop App 1.0.5 through 1.0.19 IBM Aspera for desktop can allow files to be written outside of the user's selected download destination.

Why this priority

Critical severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 62%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2026-07-28
Last modified	2026-10-23

Publisher (CNA): IBM Corporation · Vendor: ibm

Last updated 2026-10-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-07-28 21:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-23 23:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ibm aspera UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.0.5 and <= 1.0.19

Fixed in: newer than 1.0.19

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.0.19 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade aspera

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 1.0.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison aspera sudo apt install aspera=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.5> sudo apt-mark hold aspera

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

dnf --showduplicates list aspera sudo dnf downgrade aspera-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.5> sudo dnf versionlock add aspera

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.

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · kwin-zones · FIXED · 1.0.13-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-95888f332b · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-95888f332b

Fedora ELN · nginx-mod-brotli · FIXED · 1.0.0~rc-16.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-501a6a8273 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-501a6a8273

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-2026-14973?

aspera: upgrade to newer than 1.0.19. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-14973 being exploited?

CVE-2026-14973 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-2026-14973 affect?

CVE-2026-14973 affects aspera. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.3). IBM Aspera Desktop App 1.0.5 through 1.0.19 IBM Aspera for desktop can allow files to be written outside of the user's selected download destination.

How urgent is CVE-2026-14973?

Priority 42/100. Critical severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-11980 HIGH 7.3 UPGRADE IBM Aspera Desktop App 1.0.5 through 1.0.19 can allow arbitrary code execution by loading DLL files at start-u

References

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