CVE-2004-2779: id3_utf16_deserialize() in utf16.c in libid3tag through 0.15.1b misparses ID3v2 tags encoded in UTF-16 with an

Q: How do I fix CVE-2004-2779?

libid3tag: upgrade to newer than 0.15.1b. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2004-2779 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2779 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2004-2779 affect?

CVE-2004-2779 affects libid3tag. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). id3_utf16_deserialize() in utf16.c in libid3tag through 0.15.1b misparses ID3v2 tags encoded in UTF-16 with an odd number of bytes, triggering an endless loop allocating memory until an OOM condition is reached, leading to denial-of-service

Q: How urgent is CVE-2004-2779?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2004-2779 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting libid3tag. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

id3_utf16_deserialize() in utf16.c in libid3tag through 0.15.1b misparses ID3v2 tags encoded in UTF-16 with an odd number of bytes, triggering an endless loop allocating memory until an OOM condition is reached, leading to denial-of-service (DoS).

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.5% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-399
Published	2018-02-20
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: underbit

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-02-20 21:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

underbit libid3tag UPGRADE

Affected: <= 0.15.1b

Fixed in: newer than 0.15.1b

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy libid3tag || rpm -q libid3tag || libid3tag --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 0.15.1b (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade libid3tag

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade libid3tag

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2004-2779?

libid3tag: upgrade to newer than 0.15.1b. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-2779 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2779 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2004-2779 affect?

CVE-2004-2779 affects libid3tag. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). id3_utf16_deserialize() in utf16.c in libid3tag through 0.15.1b misparses ID3v2 tags encoded in UTF-16 with an odd number of bytes, triggering an endless loop allocating memory until an OOM condition is reached, leading to denial-of-service

How urgent is CVE-2004-2779?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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