How severe is CVE-2017-0901?

CVE-2017-0901 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2017-0901 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 29% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2017-0901?

CVE-2017-0901 primarily affects Rubygems. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2017-0901?

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-2017-0901 published?

CVE-2017-0901 was published on 2017-08-31 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2017-0901

CVE-2017-0901 is a high-severity vulnerability in Rubygems with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 29% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 6.4
EPSS exploit prediction: 29% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Rubygems
Published: 2017-08-31
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

RubyGems version 2.6.12 and earlier fails to validate specification names, allowing a maliciously crafted gem to potentially overwrite any file on the filesystem.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-0901?: RubyGems version 2.6.12 and earlier fails to validate specification names, allowing a maliciously crafted gem to potentially overwrite any file on the filesystem.
How severe is CVE-2017-0901?: CVE-2017-0901 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2017-0901 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 29% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2017-0901?: CVE-2017-0901 primarily affects Rubygems. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-0901?: 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-2017-0901 published?: CVE-2017-0901 was published on 2017-08-31 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (16)

cpe:2.3:a:rubygems:rubygems:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:14.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:16.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:17.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_desktop:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_aus:7.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_aus:7.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_eus:7.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_eus:7.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_eus:7.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_tus:7.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_tus:7.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_workstation:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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