MEDIUM
CVE-2017-14166
CWE-125Published: September 6, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
6.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
libarchive 3.3.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (xml_data heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted xar archive, related to the mishandling of empty strings in the atol8 function in archive_read_support_format_xar.c.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2017-14166 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
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 6.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Affected Vendors & Products
Canonical1 product(s)
ubuntu linux
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
libarchive1 product(s)
libarchive
Source: NVD CPE · 5 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
ADVISORYhttps://usn.ubuntu.com/3736-1/
ADVISORYhttps://usn.ubuntu.com/3736-1/
All References (12)
→
→
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/commit/fa7438a0ff4033e4741c807394a9af6207940d71Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2018/11/msg00037.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://usn.ubuntu.com/3736-1/Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.debian.org/security/2018/dsa-4360Third Party Advisory
→
→
https://github.com/libarchive/libarchive/commit/fa7438a0ff4033e4741c807394a9af6207940d71Patch · Third Party Advisory
→
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2018/11/msg00037.htmlMailing List · Third Party Advisory
→
https://usn.ubuntu.com/3736-1/Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.debian.org/security/2018/dsa-4360Third Party Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2017-14166
CVSS Score6.5 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-125
CISA KEVNo
Affected3 vendor(s)
PublishedSep 6, 2017
Related CVEs (CWE-125)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2017-14166 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.