CVE-2017-16928
The arq_updater binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac allows local users to write to arbitrary files and consequently gain root privileges via a crafted update URL, as demonstrated by file:///tmp/blah/Arq.zip.
Does this matter?
A public exploit is published in Exploit-DB and the impact is high, while EPSS rates exploitation at 1.0%. Anyone can run this; patch or mitigate before the next change window and check exposed instances for signs of use.
Description
The arq_updater binary in Arq 5.10 and earlier for Mac allows local users to write to arbitrary files and consequently gain root privileges via a crafted update URL, as demonstrated by file:///tmp/blah/Arq.zip.
- CVSS 3.0
- 7.8 HIGHCVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- EPSS
- 0.99% probability · 62th percentile
- Public exploits
- 1 in Exploit-DB · first 29 January 2018
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Weakness
- CWE-732
- Affected
- haystacksoftware/arq
- Source
- cve@mitre.org
EPSS 1.0% since 27 October 2026; no change recorded yet. Points are recorded when the score first appears and whenever it moves by a percentage point or more.
Public exploits (1)
Entries in Exploit-DB that cite this CVE. Links go to the Exploit-DB page and to the file in the public repository; nothing is hosted here. A verified tick means the Exploit-DB team confirmed the exploit works against the stated version.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/146158/Arq-5.10-Local-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://m4.rkw.io/blog/two-local-root-privesc-bugs-in-arq-backup--510.htmlThird Party Advisory
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/43925/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/146158/Arq-5.10-Local-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- https://m4.rkw.io/blog/two-local-root-privesc-bugs-in-arq-backup--510.htmlThird Party Advisory
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/43925/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Source: NVD record, EPSS from FIRST.org, KEV from CISA, exploits from Exploit-DB. Refreshed daily. Download this record as JSON.