CVE-2006-4514: Heap-based buffer overflow in the ole_info_read_metabat function in Gnome Structured File library (libgsf) 1.1

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-4514 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting libgsf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in the ole_info_read_metabat function in Gnome Structured File library (libgsf) 1.14.0, and other versions before 1.14.2, allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large num_metabat value in an OLE document, which causes the ole_init_info function to allocate insufficient memory.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	4.4% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2006-11-30
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: libgsf

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-11-30 23:28 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:29 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libgsf libgsf DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.11.1 · 1.13.2 · 1.14 · 1.14.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.11.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.11.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libgsf sudo apt install libgsf=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.11.1> sudo apt-mark hold libgsf

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list libgsf sudo dnf downgrade libgsf-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.11.1> sudo dnf versionlock add libgsf

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2006-4514?

libgsf: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2006-4514 being exploited?

CVE-2006-4514 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-2006-4514 affect?

CVE-2006-4514 affects libgsf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Heap-based buffer overflow in the ole_info_read_metabat function in Gnome Structured File library (libgsf) 1.14.0, and other versions before 1.14.2, allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large num_metabat value

How urgent is CVE-2006-4514?

Priority 49/100. High severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-42415 HIGH 8.4 DOWNGRADE An integer overflow vulnerability exists in the Compound Document Binary File format parser of v1.14.52 of the
CVE-2024-36474 HIGH 8.4 DOWNGRADE An integer overflow vulnerability exists in the Compound Document Binary File format parser of the GNOME Proje
CVE-2016-9888 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE An error within the "tar_directory_for_file()" function (gsf-infile-tar.c) in GNOME Structured File Library be

References

← Back to latest CVEs