CVE-2016-5040

Name: CVE-2016-5040
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2017-02-17T17:59:00.623+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10EPSS 4.26%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-5040 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. libdwarf before 20160923 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and crash) via a large length value in a compilation unit header.. EPSS estimates a 4.26% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

libdwarf before 20160923 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and crash) via a large length value in a compilation unit header.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

4.26%

89.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-125

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Libdwarf Project	Libdwarf	>= 1999-12-14, < 2016-09-23

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/05/24/1Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/05/25/1Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.prevanders.net/dwarfbug.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/05/24/1Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/05/25/1Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.prevanders.net/dwarfbug.htmlThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry

Timeline

Published: Feb 17, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-5040?

libdwarf before 20160923 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and crash) via a large length value in a compilation unit header.

How severe is CVE-2016-5040?

CVE-2016-5040 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 4.26% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-5040?

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-2016-5040?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST