CVE-2016-4557

Name: CVE-2016-4557
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-05-23T10:59:03.707+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 10.20%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-4557 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The replace_map_fd_with_map_ptr function in kernel/bpf/verifier.c in the Linux kernel before 4.5.5 does not properly maintain an fd data structure, which allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (use-after-free) via crafted BPF instructions that reference an incorrect file descriptor.. EPSS estimates a 10.20% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The replace_map_fd_with_map_ptr function in kernel/bpf/verifier.c in the Linux kernel before 4.5.5 does not properly maintain an fd data structure, which allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (use-after-free) via crafted BPF instructions that reference an incorrect file descriptor.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

10.20%

95.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.4, < 4.4.11
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.5, < 4.5.5

References

http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=8358b02bf67d3a5d8a825070e1aa73f25fb2e4c7Vendor Advisory
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-06/msg00044.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.5.5Vendor Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/05/06/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.chromium.org/p/project-zero/issues/detail?id=808Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.debian.org/823603Third Party Advisory
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1334307Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/8358b02bf67d3a5d8a825070e1aa73f25fb2e4c7Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40759/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=8358b02bf67d3a5d8a825070e1aa73f25fb2e4c7Vendor Advisory
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-06/msg00044.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.5.5Vendor Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/05/06/4Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.chromium.org/p/project-zero/issues/detail?id=808Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.debian.org/823603Third Party Advisory
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1334307Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/8358b02bf67d3a5d8a825070e1aa73f25fb2e4c7Vendor Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40759/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry

Timeline

Published: May 23, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-4557?

How severe is CVE-2016-4557?

CVE-2016-4557 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 10.20% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-4557?

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-2016-4557?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST