CVE-2016-5002: XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Apache XML-RPC (aka ws-xmlrpc) library 3.1.3, as used in Apache

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HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-5002 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting xml-rpc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Apache XML-RPC (aka ws-xmlrpc) library 3.1.3, as used in Apache Archiva, allows remote attackers to conduct server-side request forgery (SSRF) attacks via a crafted DTD.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	8.3% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-611
Published	2017-10-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: apache

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-10-27 18:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:48 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache xml-rpc DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.1.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.1.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy xml-rpc || rpm -q xml-rpc || xml-rpc --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.1.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xml-rpc sudo apt install xml-rpc=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1.3> sudo apt-mark hold xml-rpc

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

dnf --showduplicates list xml-rpc sudo dnf downgrade xml-rpc-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1.3> sudo dnf versionlock add xml-rpc

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-2016-5002?

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

Is CVE-2016-5002 being exploited?

CVE-2016-5002 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-2016-5002 affect?

CVE-2016-5002 affects xml-rpc. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in the Apache XML-RPC (aka ws-xmlrpc) library 3.1.3, as used in Apache Archiva, allows remote attackers to conduct server-side request forgery (SSRF) attacks via a crafted DTD.

How urgent is CVE-2016-5002?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-17570 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE An untrusted deserialization was found in the org.apache.xmlrpc.parser.XmlRpcResponseParser:addResult method o

References

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