PatchTheCVECVE-2009-2624: The huft_build function in inflate.c in gzip before 1.3.13 creates a hufts (aka huffman) table that is too sma
CVE-2009-2624 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting gzip. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The huft_build function in inflate.c in gzip before 1.3.13 creates a hufts (aka huffman) table that is too small, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash or infinite loop) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted archive. NOTE: this issue is caused by a CVE-2006-4334 regression.
Why this priority
- EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 6.8 (Medium) |
| EPSS exploit chance | 4.2% (top 9%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-20 |
| Published | 2010-01-29 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-16 |
Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2009-2624?
gzip: upgrade to newer than 1.3.12. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2009-2624 being exploited?
CVE-2009-2624 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-2009-2624 affect?
CVE-2009-2624 affects gzip. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). The huft_build function in inflate.c in gzip before 1.3.13 creates a hufts (aka huffman) table that is too small, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash or infinite loop) or possibly execute arbitrary
How urgent is CVE-2009-2624?
Priority 47/100. EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited
Related CVEs
- CVE-2026-41992 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE GNU gzip contains a global buffer overflow vulnerability in the LZH decompression logic caused by improper reu
- CVE-2026-41991 MEDIUM 4.7 UPGRADE GNU gzip contains a vulnerability in the gzexe utility related to insecure temporary file handling
- CVE-2022-1271 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE DOWNGRADE An arbitrary file write vulnerability was found in GNU gzip's zgrep utility
- CVE-2010-0001 MEDIUM 6.8 UPGRADE Integer underflow in the unlzw function in unlzw.c in gzip before 1.4 on 64-bit platforms, as used in ncompres
- CVE-2006-4338 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE unlzh.c in the LHZ component in gzip 1.3.5 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (in