CVE-2016-4472

What it is

The overflow protection in Expat is removed by compilers with certain optimization settings, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted XML data. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2015-1283 and CVE-2015-2716.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

11.9% 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

1. 2016-06-30 17:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-08 21:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 11.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.1 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2016-06-30 17:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-08 21:17 UTC

Exploit probability

11.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-119 · Buffer errors

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Libexpat Project Libexpat ≤ 2.1.1
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 12.04
• Mcafee Policy Auditor < 6.5.1
• Python < 2.7.15
• Python < 3.3.7
• Python < 3.4.7
• Python < 3.5.4
• Python < 3.6.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

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-2016-4472.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2016-4472. 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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