How severe is CVE-2016-4301?

CVE-2016-4301 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-4301 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-4301?

CVE-2016-4301 affects Libarchive. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-4301?

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-2016-4301 published?

CVE-2016-4301 was published on 2016-09-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-4301

CVE-2016-4301 is a high-severity vulnerability in Libarchive with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (88th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-119
Affected product: Libarchive
Published: 2016-09-21
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the parse_device function in archive_read_support_format_mtree.c in libarchive before 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted mtree file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-4301?: Stack-based buffer overflow in the parse_device function in archive_read_support_format_mtree.c in libarchive before 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted mtree file.
How severe is CVE-2016-4301?: CVE-2016-4301 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-4301 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-4301?: CVE-2016-4301 affects Libarchive. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-4301?: 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-2016-4301 published?: CVE-2016-4301 was published on 2016-09-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:libarchive:libarchive:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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