CVE-2016-2073

Name: CVE-2016-2073
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-02-12T15:59:00.127+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 6.5/10EPSS 2.66%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-2073 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 6.5/10 on the CVSS scale. The htmlParseNameComplex function in HTMLparser.c in libxml2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted XML document.. EPSS estimates a 2.66% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The htmlParseNameComplex function in HTMLparser.c in libxml2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted XML document.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.66%

83.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-119

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Xmlsoft	Libxml2	< 2.9.4
Debian	Debian Linux	8.0
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	12.04
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	14.04
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	15.10
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	16.04

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/01/25/6Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/01/26/7Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/bulletinjul2016-3090568.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/85267Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035011Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2994-1Third Party Advisory
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-37Third Party Advisory
https://www.debian.org/security/2016/dsa-3593Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/01/25/6Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/01/26/7Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/bulletinjul2016-3090568.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/85267Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035011Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2994-1Third Party Advisory
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-37Third Party Advisory
https://www.debian.org/security/2016/dsa-3593Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Feb 12, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-2073?

The htmlParseNameComplex function in HTMLparser.c in libxml2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted XML document.

How severe is CVE-2016-2073?

CVE-2016-2073 has a CVSS score of 6.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.66% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-2073?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2016-2073?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST