HIGH
CVE-2016-8689
CWE-125Published: February 15, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
7.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The read_Header function in archive_read_support_format_7zip.c in libarchive 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via multiple EmptyStream attributes in a header in a 7zip archive.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-8689 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
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 (16)
→
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-read_header-archive_read_support_format_7zip-c/Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1377925Issue Tracking · Patch
→
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/commit/7f17c791dcfd8c0416e2cd2485b19410e47ef126Issue 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
→
https://blogs.gentoo.org/ago/2016/09/11/libarchive-bsdtar-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-read_header-archive_read_support_format_7zip-c/Patch · Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1377925Issue Tracking · Patch
→
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/commit/7f17c791dcfd8c0416e2cd2485b19410e47ef126Issue Tracking · Patch · Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2016-8689
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-125
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedFeb 15, 2017
Related CVEs (CWE-125)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-8689 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.