How severe is CVE-2016-5042?

CVE-2016-5042 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-5042 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (90th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-5042?

CVE-2016-5042 affects Libdwarf Project Libdwarf. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-5042?

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-2016-5042 published?

CVE-2016-5042 was published on 2017-02-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-5042

CVE-2016-5042 is a high-severity vulnerability in Libdwarf Project Libdwarf with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-835.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (90th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-835
Affected product: Libdwarf Project Libdwarf
Published: 2017-02-17
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The dwarf_get_aranges_list function in libdwarf before 20160923 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop and crash) via a crafted DWARF section.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-5042?: The dwarf_get_aranges_list function in libdwarf before 20160923 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop and crash) via a crafted DWARF section.
How severe is CVE-2016-5042?: CVE-2016-5042 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-5042 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (90th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-5042?: CVE-2016-5042 affects Libdwarf Project Libdwarf. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-5042?: 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-2016-5042 published?: CVE-2016-5042 was published on 2017-02-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:libdwarf_project:libdwarf:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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