CVE-2012-4409: Stack-based buffer overflow in the check_file_head function in extra.c in mcrypt 2.6.8 and earlier allows user

Q: How do I fix CVE-2012-4409?

mcrypt: upgrade to newer than 2.6.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2012-4409 being exploited?

CVE-2012-4409 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-2012-4409 affect?

CVE-2012-4409 affects mcrypt. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). Stack-based buffer overflow in the check_file_head function in extra.c in mcrypt 2.6.8 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an encrypted file with a crafted header containing long salt data that is

Q: How urgent is CVE-2012-4409?

Priority 53/100. EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

This week

MEDIUM 6.8UPGRADE

CVE-2012-4409 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting mcrypt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the check_file_head function in extra.c in mcrypt 2.6.8 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an encrypted file with a crafted header containing long salt data that is not properly handled during decryption.

Why this priority

EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	15.1% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2012-11-21
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: mcrypt

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2012-11-21 23:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:44 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mcrypt mcrypt UPGRADE

Affected: <= 2.6.8 · 2.6.4 · 2.6.5 · 2.6.6 · 2.6.7

Fixed in: newer than 2.6.8

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.6.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade mcrypt

Note

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

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: mcrypt 2.6.8 - Stack Buffer Overflow (PoC)
Exploit-DB: mcrypt 2.5.8 - Local Stack Overflow

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-2012-4409?

mcrypt: upgrade to newer than 2.6.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2012-4409 being exploited?

CVE-2012-4409 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-2012-4409 affect?

CVE-2012-4409 affects mcrypt. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). Stack-based buffer overflow in the check_file_head function in extra.c in mcrypt 2.6.8 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an encrypted file with a crafted header containing long salt data that is

How urgent is CVE-2012-4409?

Priority 53/100. EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2012-4527 MEDIUM 6.8 UPGRADE Stack-based buffer overflow in mcrypt 2.6.8 and earlier allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denia
CVE-2012-4426 MEDIUM 6.8 UPGRADE Multiple format string vulnerabilities in mcrypt 2.6.8 and earlier might allow user-assisted remote attackers

References

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