CVE-2024-48990
Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root by tricking needrestart into running the...
- Published
- Nov 19, 2024
- Updated
- Nov 3, 2025
- Assigning CNA
- canonical
- Evidence observed
- Aug 8, 2026
Primary CVSS
nvd · CVSS 3.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HModerate · next 30 days
- Percentile
- 97.4%
- Model date
- Sep 21, 2026
EPSS is a statistical estimate, not a certainty or a measure of impact. Combine it with CVSS, KEV status, exposure and your environment.
Summary
Qualys discovered that needrestart, before version 3.8, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root by tricking needrestart into running the Python interpreter with an attacker-controlled PYTHONPATH environment variable.
Sources
20- CVE-2024-48990Exploit
needrestart < 3.8 Local Privilege Escalation via PYTHONPATH injection
Technical analysis and proof-of-concept for CVE-2024-48990, a privilege escalation vulnerability in needrestart allowing local attackers to execute arbitrary code as root via PYTHONPATH manipulation.
- CVE-2024-48990_needrestartExploit
Exploit for CVE-2024-48990 - Privilege Escalation in Needrestart 3.7-3. For eductional purposes only
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