# CVE-2017-18266: xdg-utils: The open_envvar function in xdg-open in xdg-utils before 1.1.3 does not validate strings before launching the program...

CVE-2017-18266 is fixed in xdg-utils on 1 platform by xdg-utils 1.1.2-1ubuntu2.2 (version 1.1.2-1ubuntu2.2), released May 9, 2018. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2017-18266
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: n/a (Medium)
- EPSS: 0.0240
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: May 9, 2018

## Description

The open_envvar function in xdg-open in xdg-utils before 1.1.3 does not validate strings before launching the program specified by the BROWSER environment variable, which might allow remote attackers to conduct argument-injection attacks via a crafted URL, as demonstrated by %s in this environment variable.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | xdg-utils Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS (bionic) | 1.1.2-1ubuntu2.2 | [xdg-utils 1.1.2-1ubuntu2.2](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/ubuntu-bionic-xdg-utils-1.1.2-1ubuntu2.2.md) | May 9, 2018 |

---

Data as of 2026-11-07T12:40:37Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo