CVE-2012-4409

6.8 MEDIUM 15% exploit odds Fix listed Memory safety

What it is

Stack-based buffer overflow in the check_file_head function in extra.c in mcrypt 2.6.8 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an encrypted file with a crafted header containing long salt data that is not properly handled during decryption.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.
Exploit odds: 15.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2012-11-21 23:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-16 23:44 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 15.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 6.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2012-11-21 23:55 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-16 23:44 UTC
Exploit probability: 15.1% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-119 · Buffer errors
Record status: Modified

Affected

Mcrypt ≤ 2.6.8
Mcrypt 2.6.4
Mcrypt 2.6.5
Mcrypt 2.6.6
Mcrypt 2.6.7

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 6.8

Attack vector: Network
Complexity: Medium
Authentication: None
Confidentiality: Partial
Integrity: Partial
Availability: Partial

Raw vector

AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2012-4409.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2012-4409. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record