HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-4447
HIGH

CVE-2016-4447

CWE-119Published: June 9, 2016· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

7.5
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The xmlParseElementDecl function in parser.c in libxml2 before 2.9.4 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer underread and application crash) via a crafted file, involving xmlParseName.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-4447 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 availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.

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

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

Apple5 product(s)
itunesiphone osmac os xtvoswatchos
Canonical1 product(s)
ubuntu linux
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
HP1 product(s)
icewall federation agent
mcafee1 product(s)
web gateway
Microsoft1 product(s)
windows
Oracle1 product(s)
vm server
xmlsoft1 product(s)
libxml2
Source: NVD CPE · 17 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (54)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2016-4447
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-119
CISA KEVNo
Affected8 vendor(s)
PublishedJun 9, 2016

Related CVEs (CWE-119)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2016-4447 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.