How severe is CVE-2016-2371?

CVE-2016-2371 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-2371 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-2371?

CVE-2016-2371 primarily affects Pidgin. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-2371?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2016-2371 published?

CVE-2016-2371 was published on 2017-01-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-2371

CVE-2016-2371 is a high-severity vulnerability in Pidgin with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. 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-787.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (86th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-787
Affected product: Pidgin
Published: 2017-01-06
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in the handling of the MXIT protocol in Pidgin. Specially crafted MXIT data sent via the server could cause memory corruption resulting in code execution.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-2371?: An out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in the handling of the MXIT protocol in Pidgin. Specially crafted MXIT data sent via the server could cause memory corruption resulting in code execution.
How severe is CVE-2016-2371?: CVE-2016-2371 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-2371 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-2371?: CVE-2016-2371 primarily affects Pidgin. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-2371?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2016-2371 published?: CVE-2016-2371 was published on 2017-01-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:a:pidgin:pidgin:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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