How severe is CVE-2008-6556?

CVE-2008-6556 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2008-6556 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-6556?

CVE-2008-6556 affects Puppet Master Webutil. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-6556?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2008-6556 published?

CVE-2008-6556 was published on 2009-03-30 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-6556

CVE-2008-6556 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Puppet Master Webutil with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (86th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Puppet Master Webutil
Published: 2009-03-30
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

cgi-bin/webutil.pl in The Puppet Master WebUtil 2.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the whois command.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-6556?: cgi-bin/webutil.pl in The Puppet Master WebUtil 2.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the whois command.
How severe is CVE-2008-6556?: CVE-2008-6556 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2008-6556 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-6556?: CVE-2008-6556 affects Puppet Master Webutil. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-6556?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2008-6556 published?: CVE-2008-6556 was published on 2009-03-30 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:puppet_master:webutil:2.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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