Is CVE-2016-8017 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2016-8017, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2016-8017 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2016-8017 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2016-8017?

CVE-2016-8017 has a CVSS score of 4.1 (MEDIUM).

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MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2016-8017

CWE-20Published: March 14, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

4.1

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Special element injection vulnerability in Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux (VSEL) 2.0.3 (and earlier) allows authenticated remote attackers to read files on the webserver via a crafted user input.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-8017 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation requires high privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2016-8017. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.