CVE-2016-5017

CVE-2016-5017 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Zookeeper 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-119.

Key facts

• Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
• CVSS v2: 6.8
• EPSS exploit prediction: 8% (95th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-119
• Affected product: Apache Zookeeper
• Published: 2016-09-21
• Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Buffer overflow in the C cli shell in Apache Zookeeper before 3.4.9 and 3.5.x before 3.5.3, when using the "cmd:" batch mode syntax, allows attackers to have unspecified impact via a long command string.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-5017?

Buffer overflow in the C cli shell in Apache Zookeeper before 3.4.9 and 3.5.x before 3.5.3, when using the "cmd:" batch mode syntax, allows attackers to have unspecified impact via a long command string.

How severe is CVE-2016-5017?

CVE-2016-5017 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-2016-5017 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 8% (95th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-5017?

CVE-2016-5017 primarily affects Apache Zookeeper. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-5017?

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-2016-5017 published?

CVE-2016-5017 was published on 2016-09-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

• http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/138755/ZooKeeper-3.4.8-3.5.2-Buffer-Overflow.html
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/09/17/3
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93044
• https://git-wip-us.apache.org/repos/asf?p=zookeeper.git%3Ba=commitdiff%3Bh=27ecf981a15554dc8e64a28630af7a5c9e2bdf4f
• https://git-wip-us.apache.org/repos/asf?p=zookeeper.git%3Ba=commitdiff%3Bh=f09154d6648eeb4ec5e1ac8a2bacbd2f8c87c14a
• https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/053d9ce4d579b02203db18545fee5e33f35f2932885459b74d1e4272%40%3Cissues.activemq.apache.org%3E
• https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/bcce5a9c532b386c68dab2f6b3ce8b0cc9b950ec551766e76391caa3%40%3Ccommits.nifi.apache.org%3E
• https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r4b743f407244294f316325458ccaabfce9cd70ca3a6423dbe574035c%40%3Cnotifications.dubbo.apache.org%3E
• https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rca37935d661f4689cb4119f1b3b224413b22be161b678e6e6ce0c69b%40%3Ccommits.nifi.apache.org%3E
• https://www.cloudera.com/documentation/other/security-bulletins/topics/csb_topic_1.html
• https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2020.html
• https://zookeeper.apache.org/security.html#CVE-2016-5017

Affected products (4)

• cpe:2.3:a:apache:zookeeper:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:apache:zookeeper:3.5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:apache:zookeeper:3.5.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:apache:zookeeper:3.5.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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