CVE-2016-1840: Buffer Overflow

Published May 20, 2016
·
Updated

A vulnerability was found in the libxml2 library. A heap-buffer overflow could happen in xmlFAParsePosCharGroup

References:

https://bugzilla.gnome.org/showbug.cgi?id=757711

Upstream fix:

https://git.gnome.org/browse/libxml2/commit/?id=cbb271655cadeb8dbb258a64701d9a3a0c4835b4

Other sources

Heap-based buffer overflow in the xmlFAParsePosCharGroup function in libxml2 before 2.9.4, as used in Apple iOS before 9.3.2, OS X before 10.11.5, tvOS before 9.2.1, and watchOS before 2.2.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted XML document.

Affected Software

31 affected componentsFixes available
debian/libxml2
2.9.4+dfsg1-7+deb10u42.9.4+dfsg1-7+deb10u62.9.10+dfsg-6.7+deb11u42.9.14+dfsg-1.3~deb12u12.9.14+dfsg-1.3
Debian Debian Linux=8.0
Apple iPhone OS<9.3.2
Apple iOS and macOS<10.11.5
Apple tvOS<9.2.1
Apple WatchOS<2.2.1
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=12.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=14.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=15.10
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop=6.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server=6.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Aus=7.2
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Aus=7.3
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Aus=7.4
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Aus=7.6
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.2
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.3
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.4
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.5
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Eus=7.6
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Tus=7.2
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Tus=7.3
redhat Enterprise Linux Server Tus=7.6
redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation=6.0
redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation=7.0
Xmlsoft Libxml2<2.9.4
McAfee Web Gateway>=7.5.0.0<=7.5.2.10
McAfee Web Gateway>=7.6.0.0<=7.6.2.3

Event History

May 20, 2016
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Description
May 23, 2016
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·09:56 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2016-1840?

CVE-2016-1840 has a high severity level due to the potential for a heap-buffer overflow that can lead to arbitrary code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2016-1840?

To fix CVE-2016-1840, upgrade to a fixed version of libxml2 that is 2.9.4+dfsg1-7+deb10u4 or higher.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2016-1840?

CVE-2016-1840 affects various systems including Debian, Ubuntu, macOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux with specific versions of libxml2.

4

What is the cause of CVE-2016-1840?

CVE-2016-1840 is caused by a heap-buffer overflow in the libxml2 library during the parsing of character groups.

5

Is there a known exploit for CVE-2016-1840?

As of now, there are no public exploits specifically targeting CVE-2016-1840, but its nature makes it a potential risk.

Contact

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