How severe is CVE-2016-7742?

CVE-2016-7742 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-2016-7742 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-7742?

CVE-2016-7742 affects Apple Mac Os X. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-7742?

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-2016-7742 published?

CVE-2016-7742 was published on 2017-02-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-7742

CVE-2016-7742 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Mac Os X 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-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (68th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Apple Mac Os X
Published: 2017-02-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.2 is affected. The issue involves the "xar" component, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted archive that triggers use of uninitialized memory locations.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-7742?: An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS before 10.12.2 is affected. The issue involves the "xar" component, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted archive that triggers use of uninitialized memory locations.
How severe is CVE-2016-7742?: CVE-2016-7742 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-2016-7742 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-7742?: CVE-2016-7742 affects Apple Mac Os X. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-7742?: 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-2016-7742 published?: CVE-2016-7742 was published on 2017-02-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://support.apple.com/HT207423

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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