How severe is CVE-2016-2073?

CVE-2016-2073 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-2073 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-2073?

CVE-2016-2073 primarily affects Xmlsoft Libxml2. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-2073?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2016-2073 published?

CVE-2016-2073 was published on 2016-02-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-2073

CVE-2016-2073 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Xmlsoft Libxml2 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.5)
CVSS v2: 4.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (81st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-119
Affected product: Xmlsoft Libxml2
Published: 2016-02-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The htmlParseNameComplex function in HTMLparser.c in libxml2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted XML document.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-2073?: The htmlParseNameComplex function in HTMLparser.c in libxml2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted XML document.
How severe is CVE-2016-2073?: CVE-2016-2073 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-2073 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-2073?: CVE-2016-2073 primarily affects Xmlsoft Libxml2. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-2073?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2016-2073 published?: CVE-2016-2073 was published on 2016-02-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:xmlsoft:libxml2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:12.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:14.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:15.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:16.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*

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