MEDIUM
CVE-2016-4470
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: June 27, 2016· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The key_reject_and_link function in security/keys/key.c in the Linux kernel through 4.6.3 does not ensure that a certain data structure is initialized, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (system crash) via vectors involving a crafted keyctl request2 command.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-4470 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 5.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
Linux1 product(s)
linux kernel
novell1 product(s)
suse linux enterprise real time extension
Oracle2 product(s)
vm serverlinux
Red Hat10 product(s)
enterprise linuxenterprise linux desktopenterprise linux for real timeenterprise linux hpc nodeenterprise linux hpc node eusenterprise linux serverenterprise linux server ausenterprise linux server eusenterprise linux workstationenterprise mrg
Source: NVD CPE · 17 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 (96)
→
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-08/msg00000.htmlThird Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2016-4470
CVSS Score5.5 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected4 vendor(s)
PublishedJun 27, 2016
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-4470 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.