How severe is CVE-2015-5889?

CVE-2015-5889 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2015-5889 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2015-5889?

CVE-2015-5889 affects Apple Mac Os X. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2015-5889?

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

When was CVE-2015-5889 published?

CVE-2015-5889 was published on 2015-10-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2015-5889

CVE-2015-5889 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Mac Os X with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. 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-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (91st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Apple Mac Os X
Published: 2015-10-09
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

rsh in the remote_cmds component in Apple OS X before 10.11 allows local users to obtain root privileges via vectors involving environment variables.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2015-5889?: rsh in the remote_cmds component in Apple OS X before 10.11 allows local users to obtain root privileges via vectors involving environment variables.
How severe is CVE-2015-5889?: CVE-2015-5889 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2015-5889 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2015-5889?: CVE-2015-5889 affects Apple Mac Os X. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2015-5889?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2015-5889 published?: CVE-2015-5889 was published on 2015-10-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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