CVE-2019-20044

What it is

In Zsh before 5.8, attackers able to execute commands can regain privileges dropped by the --no-PRIVILEGED option. Zsh fails to overwrite the saved uid, so the original privileges can be restored by executing MODULE_PATH=/dir/with/module zmodload with a module that calls setuid().

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2020-02-24 14:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:29 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-02-24 14:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:29 UTC

Exploit probability

0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-273

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Zsh < 5.8
• Fedoraproject Fedora 30
• Fedoraproject Fedora 31
• Debian Linux 8.0
• Debian Linux 9.0
• Apple Ipados < 13.5
• Apple Iphone Os < 13.5
• Apple Mac Os X < 10.15.5

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2019-20044.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2019-20044. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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