CVE-2015-5312

What it is

The xmlStringLenDecodeEntities function in parser.c in libxml2 before 2.9.3 does not properly prevent entity expansion, which allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via crafted XML data, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-3660.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

4.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2015-12-15 21:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 00:28 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 4.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.1 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2015-12-15 21:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:28 UTC

Exploit probability

4.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-399

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 12.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 14.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 15.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 15.10
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop 6.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Hpc Node 6.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Server 6.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux Workstation 6.0

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 7.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

Complete

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-2015-5312.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2015-5312. 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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