CVE-2016-4912: The _xrealloc function in xlsp_xmalloc.c in OpenSLP 2.0.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-4912 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting openslp. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The _xrealloc function in xlsp_xmalloc.c in OpenSLP 2.0.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and crash) via a large number of crafted packets, which triggers a memory allocation failure.

Why this priority

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

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

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-476
Published	2017-03-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: openslp

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-03-27 17:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:48 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openslp openslp DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison openslp sudo apt install openslp=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold openslp

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

dnf --showduplicates list openslp sudo dnf downgrade openslp-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add openslp

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-2016-4912?

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

Is CVE-2016-4912 being exploited?

CVE-2016-4912 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-2016-4912 affect?

CVE-2016-4912 affects openslp. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The _xrealloc function in xlsp_xmalloc.c in OpenSLP 2.0.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and crash) via a large number of crafted packets, which triggers a memory allocation failure.

How urgent is CVE-2016-4912?

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

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References

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