Heap-based buffer overflow in the xmlStrncat function in libxml2 before 2.9.4, as used in Apple iOS before 9.3.2, OS X before 10.11.5, tvOS before 9.2.1, and watchOS before 2.2.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted XML document.
This vulnerability carries a HIGH severity rating with a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8, requiring local system access to exploit with relatively low complexity though user interaction is required and does not require pre-existing privileges . The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (data exposure), integrity (unauthorized modifications), and availability (service disruption) for affected systems. Impacting 14 products from canonical, from apple, from apple and 11 others, organizations running these solutions should prioritize assessment and patching.
First disclosed in 2016, this vulnerability was reported during a period defined by widespread IoT adoption challenges, mobile security concerns, and the emergence of advanced persistent threat (APT) techniques. Contemporary mitigation strategies focused on secure development practices and third-party component vetting.
2016-05-20T10:59:48.097
2025-12-04T18:15:49.897
Deferred
CVSSv3.1: 7.8 (HIGH)
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
8.6
10.0
| Type | Vendor | Product | Version/Range | Vulnerable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | canonical | ubuntu_linux | 12.04 | Yes |
| Operating System | canonical | ubuntu_linux | 14.04 | Yes |
| Operating System | canonical | ubuntu_linux | 15.10 | Yes |
| Operating System | canonical | ubuntu_linux | 16.04 | Yes |
| Operating System | apple | iphone_os | < 9.3.2 | Yes |
| Operating System | apple | mac_os_x | < 10.11.5 | Yes |
| Operating System | apple | tvos | < 9.2.1 | Yes |
| Operating System | apple | watchos | < 2.2.1 | Yes |
| Operating System | debian | debian_linux | 8.0 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_desktop | 6.0 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_desktop | 7.0 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server | 6.0 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server | 7.0 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_aus | 7.2 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_aus | 7.3 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_aus | 7.4 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_aus | 7.6 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_eus | 7.2 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_eus | 7.3 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_eus | 7.4 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_eus | 7.5 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_eus | 7.6 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_tus | 7.2 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_tus | 7.3 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_server_tus | 7.6 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_workstation | 6.0 | Yes |
| Operating System | redhat | enterprise_linux_workstation | 7.0 | Yes |
| Application | xmlsoft | libxml2 | < 2.9.4 | Yes |
| Application | mcafee | web_gateway | ≤ 7.5.2.10 | Yes |
| Application | mcafee | web_gateway | ≤ 7.6.2.3 | Yes |
SecUtils normalizes and enriches National Vulnerability Database (NVD) records by standardizing vendor and product identifiers, aggregating vulnerability metadata from both NVD and MITRE sources, and providing structured context for security teams. For canonical's affected products, we extract Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) data, Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classifications, CVSS severity metrics, and reference data to enable rapid vulnerability prioritization and asset correlation. This record contains no exploit code, proof-of-concept instructions, or attack methodologies—only defensive intelligence necessary for patch management, risk assessment, and security operations.