HIGH
CVE-2016-5418
CWE-19Published: September 21, 2016· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
7.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The sandboxing code in libarchive 3.2.0 and earlier mishandles hardlink archive entries of non-zero data size, which might allow remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a crafted archive file.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-5418 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 full integrity compromise (data manipulation), 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
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
libarchive1 product(s)
libarchive
Oracle1 product(s)
linux
Red Hat8 product(s)
enterprise linux desktopenterprise linux hpc nodeenterprise linux serverenterprise linux workstationopenshiftenterprise linux hpc node eusenterprise linux server ausenterprise linux server eus
Source: NVD CPE · 16 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 (24)
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-1844.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-1850.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/08/09/2Exploit · Technical Description
→
→
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016:1852Third Party Advisory
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https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016:1853Third Party Advisory
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1362601Issue Tracking · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://gist.github.com/anonymous/e48209b03f1dd9625a992717e7b89c4fExploit · Technical Description
→
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/issues/746Exploit · 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.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/08/09/2Exploit · Technical Description
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2016-5418
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-19
CISA KEVNo
Affected3 vendor(s)
PublishedSep 21, 2016
Related CVEs (CWE-19)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-5418 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.