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
- 97.6%
- Model date
- Oct 14, 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
modules/exploits/linux/local/ubuntu_needrestart_lpe.rb
Metasploit Framework modulesDeclared conditions
- platform: Linux($.exploit_linux/local/ubuntu_needrestart_lpe.platform)
- verification: check_declared($.exploit_linux/local/ubuntu_needrestart_lpe.check)
- CVE-2024-48990Exploit
needrestart < 3.8 Local Privilege Escalation via PYTHONPATH injection
Responsible use
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