CVE-2016-10152: The read_config_file function in lib/hesiod.c in Hesiod 3.2.1 falls back to the ".athena.mit.edu" default doma

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-10152?

hesiod: upgrade to newer than 3.2.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-10152 being exploited?

CVE-2016-10152 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-2016-10152 affect?

CVE-2016-10152 affects hesiod. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The read_config_file function in lib/hesiod.c in Hesiod 3.2.1 falls back to the ".athena.mit.edu" default domain when opening the configuration file fails, which allows remote attackers to gain root privileges by poisoning the DNS cache.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2016-10152?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2016-10152 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting hesiod. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The read_config_file function in lib/hesiod.c in Hesiod 3.2.1 falls back to the ".athena.mit.edu" default domain when opening the configuration file fails, which allows remote attackers to gain root privileges by poisoning the DNS cache.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	6.8% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-264
Published	2017-03-28
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: hesiod project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-03-28 14:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:39 UTCUpdated Record last modified

hesiod project hesiod UPGRADE

Affected: <= 3.2.1

Fixed in: newer than 3.2.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.2.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade hesiod

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-2016-10152?

hesiod: upgrade to newer than 3.2.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-10152 being exploited?

CVE-2016-10152 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-2016-10152 affect?

CVE-2016-10152 affects hesiod. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The read_config_file function in lib/hesiod.c in Hesiod 3.2.1 falls back to the ".athena.mit.edu" default domain when opening the configuration file fails, which allows remote attackers to gain root privileges by poisoning the DNS cache.

How urgent is CVE-2016-10152?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2016-10151 HIGH 7.0 DOWNGRADE The hesiod_init function in lib/hesiod.c in Hesiod 3.2.1 compares EUID with UID to determine whether to use co

References

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