CVE-2016-6559

Name: CVE-2016-6559
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2018-07-13T20:29:00.91+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 3.70%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-6559 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. Improper bounds checking of the obuf variable in the link_ntoa() function in linkaddr.c of the BSD libc library may allow an attacker to read or write from memory. The full impact and severity depends on the method of exploit and how the library is used by applications. EPSS estimates a 3.70% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Improper bounds checking of the obuf variable in the link_ntoa() function in linkaddr.c of the BSD libc library may allow an attacker to read or write from memory. The full impact and severity depends on the method of exploit and how the library is used by applications. According to analysis by FreeBSD developers, it is very unlikely that applications exist that utilize link_ntoa() in an exploitable manner, and the CERT/CC is not aware of any proof of concept. A blog post describes the functionality of link_ntoa() and points out that none of the base utilities use this function in an exploitable manner. For more information, please see FreeBSD Security Advisory SA-16:37.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

3.70%

88.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Freebsd	Freebsd	9.3
Freebsd	Freebsd	10.1
Freebsd	Freebsd	10.2
Freebsd	Freebsd	10.3
Freebsd	Freebsd	11.0

References

http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037398Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.freebsd.org/security/advisories/FreeBSD-SA-16:37.libc.ascVendor Advisory
https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/548487Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94694Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037398Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.freebsd.org/security/advisories/FreeBSD-SA-16:37.libc.ascVendor Advisory
https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/548487Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94694Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry

Timeline

Published: Jul 13, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-6559?

How severe is CVE-2016-6559?

Severity scoring for CVE-2016-6559 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 3.70% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-6559?

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-2016-6559?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST