CVE-2015-1817: Stack-based buffer overflow in the inet_pton function in network/inet_pton.c in musl libc 0.9.15 through 1.0.4

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2015-1817 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting musl. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the inet_pton function in network/inet_pton.c in musl libc 0.9.15 through 1.0.4, and 1.1.0 through 1.1.7 allows attackers to have unspecified impact via unknown vectors.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.2% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2017-08-18
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: musl-libc

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-08-18 16:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:23 UTCUpdated Record last modified

musl-libc musl DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.9.15 · 1.0.0 · 1.0.1 · 1.0.2 · 1.0.3 · 1.0.4 · 1.1.0 · 1.1.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.9.15

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.9.15 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison musl sudo apt install musl=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.15> sudo apt-mark hold musl

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

dnf --showduplicates list musl sudo dnf downgrade musl-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.9.15> sudo dnf versionlock add musl

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-2015-1817?

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

Is CVE-2015-1817 being exploited?

CVE-2015-1817 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-2015-1817 affect?

CVE-2015-1817 affects musl. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Stack-based buffer overflow in the inet_pton function in network/inet_pton.c in musl libc 0.9.15 through 1.0.4, and 1.1.0 through 1.1.7 allows attackers to have unspecified impact via unknown vectors.

How urgent is CVE-2015-1817?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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