Description
a2ps 4.13 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the filename.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | a2ps | 1:4.13b-4.2 | — |
| Debian 13 | a2ps | 1:4.13b-4.2 | — |
| Debian 12 | a2ps | 1:4.13b-4.2 | — |
| Debian 3.0 | a2ps | 1:4.13b-4.2 | DSA-612-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- GNU a2ps 4.13 - File Name Command Execution EDB-24406 · local · Aug 24, 2004 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-612-1 a2ps - unsanitised input Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- http://bugs.debian.org/283134
- 20040824 a2ps executing shell commands from file name mailing-list
- OpenPKG-SA-2005.003 vendor-advisory
- SUSE-SA:2004:034 vendor-advisory
- http://www.securiteam.com/unixfocus/5MP0N2KDPA.html
- FLSA:152870 vendor-advisory
- 57649 vendor-advisory
- 12375 third-party-advisory
- gnu-a2ps-gain-privileges(17127) vdb-entry
- MDKSA-2004:140 vendor-advisory
- 11025 vdb-entry