HIGH
CVE-2016-4809
CWE-20Published: September 21, 2016· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
7.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The archive_read_format_cpio_read_header function in archive_read_support_format_cpio.c in libarchive before 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a CPIO archive with a large symlink.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-4809 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.
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
libarchive1 product(s)
libarchive
Oracle1 product(s)
linux
Red Hat7 product(s)
enterprise linux desktopenterprise linux hpc nodeenterprise linux serverenterprise linux workstationenterprise linux hpc node eusenterprise linux server ausenterprise linux server eus
Source: NVD CPE · 14 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 (18)
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-1844.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-1850.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91813Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1347084Issue Tracking
→
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/commit/fd7e0c02Issue Tracking · Patch
→
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/issues/705Issue Tracking · Patch
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-1844.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-1850.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91813Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1347084Issue Tracking
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2016-4809
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-20
CISA KEVNo
Affected3 vendor(s)
PublishedSep 21, 2016
Related CVEs (CWE-20)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-4809 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.