How severe is CVE-2017-8872?

CVE-2017-8872 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.1, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2017-8872 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2017-8872?

CVE-2017-8872 affects Xmlsoft Libxml2. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2017-8872?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2017-8872 published?

CVE-2017-8872 was published on 2017-05-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2017-8872

CVE-2017-8872 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Xmlsoft Libxml2 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.1. 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-125.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.1)
CVSS v2: 6.4
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (81st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-125
Affected product: Xmlsoft Libxml2
Published: 2017-05-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The htmlParseTryOrFinish function in HTMLparser.c in libxml2 2.9.4 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer over-read) or information disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-8872?: The htmlParseTryOrFinish function in HTMLparser.c in libxml2 2.9.4 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer over-read) or information disclosure.
How severe is CVE-2017-8872?: CVE-2017-8872 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.1, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2017-8872 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2017-8872?: CVE-2017-8872 affects Xmlsoft Libxml2. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-8872?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2017-8872 published?: CVE-2017-8872 was published on 2017-05-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:xmlsoft:libxml2:2.9.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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