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9.8

rsync can crash from crafted attribute data

CVE-2017-16548 · published 9 years ago
Summary

Versions 3.1.2 and 3.1.3-development of rsync may stop working if they receive specially crafted extended attribute information. This can cause the program to read beyond its memory and shut down, interrupting file transfers. Apply the latest rsync updates or patches provided by your Linux distribution to prevent the problem.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
samba rsync > 2.6.9, <= 3.1.2
cpe:2.3:a:samba:rsync:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
canonical ubuntu_linux 12.04
14.04
16.04
17.10
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:12.04:*:*:*:esm:*:*:*
debian debian_linux 7.0
8.0
9.0
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
The receive_xattr function in xattrs.c in rsync 3.1.2 and 3.1.3-development does not check for a trailing '\0' character in an xattr name, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service...
The receive_xattr function in xattrs.c in rsync 3.1.2 and 3.1.3-development does not check for a trailing '\0' character in an xattr name, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact by sending crafted data to the daemon.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 3 days
Internal 60 days
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Can be exploited automatically (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Severity
9.8 Critical
Exploitation
6% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-125Out-of-bounds Read
Timeline
Published6 Nov 2017
Updated31 Oct 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2017-16548 · NVD
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