CVE-2016-1714
CWE-119Published: April 7, 2016· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
The (1) fw_cfg_write and (2) fw_cfg_read functions in hw/nvram/fw_cfg.c in QEMU before 2.4, when built with the Firmware Configuration device emulation support, allow guest OS users with the CAP_SYS_RAWIO privilege to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read or write access and process crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via an invalid current entry value in a firmware configuration.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-1714 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.1.
The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-119): Buffer overflow vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service by corrupting adjacent memory.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (38)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-119)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-1714 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts