CVE-2017-16611
First published: Fri Dec 01 2017(Updated: )
In libXfont before 1.5.4 and libXfont2 before 2.0.3, a local attacker can open (but not read) files on the system as root, triggering tape rewinds, watchdogs, or similar mechanisms that can be triggered by opening files.
Credit: cve@mitre.org
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Debian Debian Linux | =8.0 | |
| Debian Debian Linux | =9.0 | |
| Canonical Ubuntu Linux | =14.04 | |
| Canonical Ubuntu Linux | =16.04 | |
| Canonical Ubuntu Linux | =17.04 | |
| Canonical Ubuntu Linux | =17.10 | |
| X Libxfont | >=1.0.0<1.5.4 | |
| X Libxfont | >=2.0.0<2.0.3 |
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Reference Links
- http://security.cucumberlinux.com/security/details.php?id=155
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/11/28/7
- http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3500-1
- https://bugzilla.suse.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1050459
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2022/01/msg00028.html
- https://marc.info/?l=freedesktop-xorg-announce&m=151188044218304&w=2
- https://marc.info/?l=freedesktop-xorg-announce&m=151188049718337&w=2
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201801-10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2017-16611?
CVE-2017-16611 is a vulnerability in libXfont before 1.5.4 and libXfont2 before 2.0.3 that allows a local attacker to open files on the system as root.
What is the severity of CVE-2017-16611?
The severity of CVE-2017-16611 is medium with a CVSS score of 5.5.
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2017-16611?
The affected software versions are Debian Debian Linux 8.0 and 9.0, and Canonical Ubuntu Linux 14.04, 16.04, 17.04, and 17.10.
How can a local attacker exploit CVE-2017-16611?
A local attacker can exploit CVE-2017-16611 by opening files on the system, triggering tape rewinds, watchdogs, or similar mechanisms that can be triggered by opening files.
Is there a fix available for CVE-2017-16611?
Yes, a fix for CVE-2017-16611 is available. It is recommended to update to libXfont version 1.5.4 or libXfont2 version 2.0.3 or later.
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- agent/author
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- agent/description
- agent/last-modified-date
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- agent/softwarecombine
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- vendor/debian
- canonical/debian debian linux
- version/debian debian linux/8.0
- version/debian debian linux/9.0
- vendor/canonical
- canonical/canonical ubuntu linux
- version/canonical ubuntu linux/14.04
- version/canonical ubuntu linux/16.04
- version/canonical ubuntu linux/17.04
- version/canonical ubuntu linux/17.10
- vendor/x
- canonical/x libxfont
- version/x libxfont/1.0.0
- version/x libxfont/2.0.0