CVE-2016-4074: The jv_dump_term function in jq 1.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack consumption an

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-4074?

jq: upgrade to newer than 1.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-4074 being exploited?

CVE-2016-4074 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-2016-4074 affect?

CVE-2016-4074 affects jq. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The jv_dump_term function in jq 1.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack consumption and application crash) via a crafted JSON file. This issue has been fixed in jq 1.6_rc1-r0.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2016-4074?

Priority 59/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2016-4074 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting jq. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The jv_dump_term function in jq 1.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack consumption and application crash) via a crafted JSON file. This issue has been fixed in jq 1.6_rc1-r0.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	5.4% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-770
Published	2016-05-06
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: jq project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-05-06 17:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

jq project jq UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.5

Fixed in: newer than 1.5

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade jq

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-2016-4074?

jq: upgrade to newer than 1.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-4074 being exploited?

CVE-2016-4074 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-2016-4074 affect?

CVE-2016-4074 affects jq. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The jv_dump_term function in jq 1.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack consumption and application crash) via a crafted JSON file. This issue has been fixed in jq 1.6_rc1-r0.

How urgent is CVE-2016-4074?

Priority 59/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-32316 HIGH 8.2 UPGRADE jq is a command-line JSON processor
CVE-2026-39979 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE UPGRADE jq is a command-line JSON processor
CVE-2026-33948 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE jq is a command-line JSON processor
CVE-2026-33947 MEDIUM 6.2 UPGRADE jq is a command-line JSON processor
CVE-2026-39956 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE jq is a command-line JSON processor

References

← Back to latest CVEs