CVE-2018-9251: Medium severity Xmlsoft Libxml2 vulnerability

Published Apr 3, 2018
·
Updated

A flaw was found in libxml2 2.9.8. The xzdecomp function in xzlib.c, if --with-lzma is used, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a crafted XML file that triggers LZMAMEMLIMITERROR, as demonstrated by xmllint, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-8035.

Reference: https://bugzilla.gnome.org/showbug.cgi?id=794914

Other sources

The xzdecomp function in xzlib.c in libxml2 2.9.8, if --with-lzma is used, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a crafted XML file that triggers LZMAMEMLIMITERROR, as demonstrated by xmllint, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-8035.

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/libxml2<0:2.9.7-7.el8
0:2.9.7-7.el8
redhat/libxml2<2.9.9
2.9.9
Xmlsoft Libxml2=2.9.8
Debian Debian Linux=8.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade redhat/libxml2 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 0:2.9.7-7.el8
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade redhat/libxml2 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.9.9

Event History

Apr 3, 2018
CVE Published
12:00 AM
Apr 4, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:00 AM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·02:29 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Apr 9, 2018
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·08:08 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2018-9251?

CVE-2018-9251 is a vulnerability in libxml2 2.9.8 that allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted XML file.

2

How does CVE-2018-9251 affect libxml2?

CVE-2018-9251 affects libxml2 version 2.9.8.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2018-9251?

The severity of CVE-2018-9251 is medium with a severity value of 5.3.

4

How can I fix CVE-2018-9251?

To fix CVE-2018-9251, update libxml2 to version 2.9.9.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2018-9251?

You can find more information about CVE-2018-9251 at the following references: [Link 1](https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2015-8035), [Link 2](https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=794914), [Link 3](https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi/show_bug.cgi?id=1565320).

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