Is CVE-2016-3139 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2016-3139, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2016-3139 be exploited remotely?

No. CVE-2016-3139 requires physical access to exploit.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-3139?

CVE-2016-3139 has a CVSS score of 4.6 (MEDIUM).

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MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2016-3139

NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: April 27, 2016· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

4.6

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The wacom_probe function in drivers/input/tablet/wacom_sys.c in the Linux kernel before 3.17 allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and system crash) via a crafted endpoints value in a USB device descriptor.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-3139 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 availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 4.6.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2016-3139. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability

Attack VectorPhysical

Attack ComplexityLow

Privileges Req.None

User InteractionNone

ScopeUnchanged

Impact

ConfidentialityNone

IntegrityNone

AvailabilityHigh

CVSS:3.0/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

Linux1 product(s)

linux kernel

novell8 product(s)

suse linux enterprise software development kitsuse linux enterprise debuginfosuse linux enterprise desktopsuse linux enterprise live patchingsuse linux enterprise module for public cloudsuse linux enterprise real time extensionsuse linux enterprise serversuse linux enterprise workstation extension

Source: NVD CPE · 12 total CPE entries