CVE-2016-4332

What it is

The library's failure to check if certain message types support a particular flag, the HDF5 1.8.16 library will cast the structure to an alternative structure and then assign to fields that aren't supported by the message type and the library will write outside the bounds of the heap buffer. This can lead to code execution under the context of the library.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.8% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2016-11-18 20:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 00:47 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.8% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.6 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2016-11-18 20:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:47 UTC

Exploit probability

0.8% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Hdfgroup hdf5 1.8.16

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 8.6

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2016-4332.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2016-4332. 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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