CVE-2016-4301

Name: CVE-2016-4301
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-09-21T14:25:03.377+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 3.73%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-4301 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. Stack-based buffer overflow in the parse_device function in archive_read_support_format_mtree.c in libarchive before 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted mtree file.. EPSS estimates a 3.73% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the parse_device function in archive_read_support_format_mtree.c in libarchive before 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted mtree file.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

3.73%

88.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-119

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Libarchive	Libarchive	<= 3.2.0

References

http://blog.talosintel.com/2016/06/the-poisoned-archives.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/bulletinjul2016-3090568.html
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91328
http://www.talosintel.com/reports/TALOS-2016-0153/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1348441Issue Tracking
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/commit/a550daeecf6bc689ade371349892ea17b5b97c77Issue Tracking, Patch
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/issues/715Issue Tracking, Patch
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-03
http://blog.talosintel.com/2016/06/the-poisoned-archives.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/bulletinjul2016-3090568.html
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91328
http://www.talosintel.com/reports/TALOS-2016-0153/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1348441Issue Tracking
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/commit/a550daeecf6bc689ade371349892ea17b5b97c77Issue Tracking, Patch
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/issues/715Issue Tracking, Patch
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-03

Timeline

Published: Sep 21, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-4301?

Stack-based buffer overflow in the parse_device function in archive_read_support_format_mtree.c in libarchive before 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted mtree file.

How severe is CVE-2016-4301?

Severity scoring for CVE-2016-4301 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 3.73% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-4301?

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-2016-4301?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST