Is CVE-2016-2338 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2016-2338 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2016-2338 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2016-2338 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-2338?

CVE-2016-2338 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-2338

CRITICAL

CVE-2016-2338

CWE-787Published: September 29, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

An exploitable heap overflow vulnerability exists in the Psych::Emitter start_document function of Ruby. In Psych::Emitter start_document function heap buffer "head" allocation is made based on tags array length. Specially constructed object passed as element of tags array can increase this array size after mentioned allocation and cause heap overflow.

NVD Source

Risk Analysis

A heap overflow vulnerability exists in the Ruby Psych library due to improper handling of tag array lengths during document initialization. This could lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution, warranting a critical severity rating.

There is no public exploit known for this vulnerability, and it is not in the CISA KEV. The flaw is remotely exploitable with low attack complexity.

Recommended Action

Update Ruby to a version where this heap overflow has been addressed and apply relevant security patches provided by the distribution.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-2338 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

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 9.8.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-787): Out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities can lead to data corruption, crashes, or arbitrary code execution.