Platform
curl
Component
curl
Fixed in
7.51.1
CVE-2016-8617 describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in cURL versions 7.51.0 through 7.51.0. This flaw arises from an insufficient buffer allocation within the base64 encode function when handling large inputs, specifically exceeding 1GB, via the CURLOPT_USERNAME option. Successful exploitation could lead to a denial-of-service condition. A fix is available in cURL version 7.51.0.
The primary impact of CVE-2016-8617 is a denial-of-service (DoS). An attacker capable of crafting a request with a CURLOPT_USERNAME value exceeding 1GB on a 32-bit system can trigger the buffer overflow, potentially crashing the cURL process or the application utilizing it. This could disrupt services relying on cURL for data transfer, such as web servers, automation scripts, or command-line tools. While the CVSS score is LOW, the potential for widespread disruption, especially in environments with numerous applications using cURL, should not be underestimated. The vulnerability's reliance on a specific input parameter and 32-bit architecture limits its immediate exploitability, but older systems or applications that haven't been updated may remain vulnerable.
CVE-2016-8617 is not currently listed on the CISA KEV catalog. Public proof-of-concept exploits for this vulnerability are limited, likely due to the specific conditions required for exploitation (32-bit systems and large input sizes). The vulnerability was disclosed in 2016 and patched shortly thereafter, reducing the likelihood of active exploitation. The low CVSS score and limited public exploit information suggest a low probability of exploitation in the wild.
Exploit Status
CVSS Vector
The recommended mitigation for CVE-2016-8617 is to upgrade to cURL version 7.51.0 or later. This version includes a fix that correctly allocates the necessary buffer size to prevent the overflow. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, consider implementing input validation to restrict the size of the CURLOPT_USERNAME parameter to a reasonable limit. While a WAF or proxy cannot directly prevent this vulnerability, they can be configured to monitor for unusually large requests to cURL endpoints. There are no specific Sigma or YARA rules readily available for this vulnerability, as it's primarily a coding error rather than a malware-driven exploit.
Update to version 7.51.0 or later of cURL to avoid the buffer overflow vulnerability. The update corrects the incorrect buffer allocation in the base64 encoding function, mitigating the risk of arbitrary code execution.
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CVE-2016-8617 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in cURL versions 7.51.0 through 7.51.0, triggered by providing over 1GB of data via CURLOPT_USERNAME on 32-bit systems, potentially leading to a denial of service.
You are affected if you are using cURL versions 7.51.0 or earlier, especially on 32-bit systems, and applications are passing large values to CURLOPT_USERNAME.
Upgrade to cURL version 7.51.0 or later to resolve the vulnerability. Input validation on CURLOPT_USERNAME can be used as a temporary workaround.
There is limited evidence of active exploitation in the wild, likely due to the specific conditions required for exploitation and the vulnerability's age.
Refer to the cURL security advisories and release notes for details: https://curl.se/security/.
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