MEDIUM
CVE-2016-3951
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: May 2, 2016· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
4.6
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Double free vulnerability in drivers/net/usb/cdc_ncm.c in the Linux kernel before 4.5 allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact by inserting a USB device with an invalid USB descriptor.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-3951 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.
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
Canonical1 product(s)
ubuntu linux
Linux1 product(s)
linux kernel
novell7 product(s)
suse linux enterprise software development kitsuse 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
SUSE1 product(s)
suse linux enterprise software development kit
Source: NVD CPE · 12 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (46)
→
→
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-06/msg00054.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-06/msg00056.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-07/msg00005.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2989-1Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2998-1Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3000-1Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3001-1Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3002-1Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2016-3951
CVSS Score4.6 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected4 vendor(s)
PublishedMay 2, 2016
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-3951 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.