CVE-2017-16879: Buffer Overflow

Published Nov 22, 2017
·
Updated

Stack-based buffer overflow in the ncwriteentry function in tinfo/writeentry.c in ncurses 6.0 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted terminfo file, as demonstrated by tic.

Affected Software

2 affected components
GNU ncurses=6.0
invisible-island Ncurses=6.0

Event History

Nov 22, 2017
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:00 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:29 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2017-16879?

CVE-2017-16879 is a vulnerability in ncurses 6.0 that allows attackers to cause a denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code.

2

How does CVE-2017-16879 work?

CVE-2017-16879 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the _nc_write_entry function in ncurses 6.0.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2017-16879?

CVE-2017-16879 has a severity score of 7.8 (high).

4

How can CVE-2017-16879 be fixed?

Updating to a patched version of ncurses can fix CVE-2017-16879.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2017-16879?

You can find more information about CVE-2017-16879 at the following references: [1] [2] [3].

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203