MEDIUM
CVE-2016-8688
CWE-125Published: February 15, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
5.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The mtree bidder in libarchive 3.2.1 does not keep track of line sizes when extending the read-ahead, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted file, which triggers an invalid read in the (1) detect_form or (2) bid_entry function in libarchive/archive_read_support_format_mtree.c.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-8688 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.
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.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
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://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2016-12/msg00027.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/10/16/11Mailing List · Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93781Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://blogs.gentoo.org/ago/2016/09/11/libarchive-bsdtar-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-bid_entry-archive_read_support_format_mtree-c/Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://blogs.gentoo.org/ago/2016/09/11/libarchive-bsdtar-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-detect_form-archive_read_support_format_mtree-c/Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://blogs.gentoo.org/ago/2016/09/11/libarchive-bsdtar-memory-corruptionunknown-crash-in-bid_entry-archive_read_support_format_mtree-c/Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://blogs.gentoo.org/ago/2016/09/11/libarchive-bsdtar-use-after-free-in-bid_entry-archive_read_support_format_mtree-c/Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://blogs.gentoo.org/ago/2016/09/11/libarchive-bsdtar-use-after-free-in-detect_form-archive_read_support_format_mtree-c/Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1377923Issue Tracking · Patch
→
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/commit/eec077f52bfa2d3f7103b4b74d52572ba8a15acaIssue Tracking · Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201701-03Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2016-12/msg00027.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/10/16/11Mailing List · Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93781Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2016-8688
CVSS Score5.5 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-125
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedFeb 15, 2017
Related CVEs (CWE-125)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-8688 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.