CVE-2016-1417: Untrusted search path vulnerability in Snort 2.9.7.0-WIN32 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code a

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HIGH 8.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-1417 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting snort. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Untrusted search path vulnerability in Snort 2.9.7.0-WIN32 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse tcapi.dll that is located in the same folder on a remote file share as a pcap file that is being processed.

Why this priority

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

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	4.4% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-426
Published	2017-01-23
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Cisco Systems, Inc. · Vendor: snort

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-01-23 21:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:41 UTCUpdated Record last modified

snort snort DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.9.7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.9.7.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.9.7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison snort sudo apt install snort=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.9.7.0> sudo apt-mark hold snort

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

dnf --showduplicates list snort sudo dnf downgrade snort-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.9.7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add snort

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-2016-1417?

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

Is CVE-2016-1417 being exploited?

CVE-2016-1417 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-2016-1417 affect?

CVE-2016-1417 affects snort. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). Untrusted search path vulnerability in Snort 2.9.7.0-WIN32 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code and conduct DLL hijacking attacks via a Trojan horse tcapi.dll that is located in the same folder on a remote file share as a pcap

How urgent is CVE-2016-1417?

Priority 59/100. High severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Suricata and Snort vulnerabilities

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References

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