CVE-2016-5851
CVE-2016-5851 is a high-severity vulnerability in Python-openxml Project Python-docx with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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-611.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
- CVSS v2: 6.8
- EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (82nd percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-611
- Affected product: Python-openxml Project Python-docx
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
python-docx before 0.8.6 allows context-dependent attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via a crafted document.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2016-5851?
- python-docx before 0.8.6 allows context-dependent attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via a crafted document.
- How severe is CVE-2016-5851?
- CVE-2016-5851 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2016-5851 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (82nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2016-5851?
- CVE-2016-5851 affects Python-openxml Project Python-docx. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2016-5851?
- 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-2016-5851 published?
- CVE-2016-5851 was published on 2016-12-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/06/28/7
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/06/28/8
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91485
- https://github.com/python-openxml/python-docx/blob/v0.8.6/HISTORY.rst
- https://github.com/python-openxml/python-docx/commit/61b40b161b64173ab8e362aec1fd197948431beb
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/6FFMOH7ZPOPQWNJGUZOS5LXX4MGNRXXT/
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/XU2WSYRNB7CLBBFCGSX34XHACTA2SWDZ/
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:python-openxml_project:python-docx:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Other CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference (XXE)) vulnerabilities
- CVE-2022-22486 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): IBM Tivoli Workload Scheduler 9.4, 9.5, and 10.1 is vulnerable to an XML External Entity Injection (XXE) attack when…
- CVE-2019-14678 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): SAS XML Mapper 9.45 has an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability that can be leveraged by malicious attackers in…
- CVE-2015-9280 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): MailEnable before 8.60 allows XXE via an XML document in the request.aspx Options parameter.
- CVE-2018-1000838 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): autopsy version <= 4.9.0 contains a XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in CaseMetadata XML Parser that can result…
- CVE-2018-1000837 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): UML Designer version <= 8.0.0 contains a XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in XML parser for plugins that can…
- CVE-2018-1000835 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): KeePassDX version <= 2.5.0.0beta17 contains a XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability in kdbx file parser that can…
Browse all CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference (XXE)) vulnerabilities →