CVE-2016-5004: The Content-Encoding HTTP header feature in ws-xmlrpc 3.1.3 as used in Apache Archiva allows remote attackers

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MEDIUM 6.5WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-5004 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting ws-xmlrpc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Content-Encoding HTTP header feature in ws-xmlrpc 3.1.3 as used in Apache Archiva allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (resource consumption) by decompressing a large file containing zeroes.

Why this priority

EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	7.7% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-400
Published	2017-06-06
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

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

apache ws-xmlrpc 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 ws-xmlrpc || rpm -q ws-xmlrpc || ws-xmlrpc --version

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

apt-cache madison ws-xmlrpc sudo apt install ws-xmlrpc=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1.3> sudo apt-mark hold ws-xmlrpc

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

dnf --showduplicates list ws-xmlrpc sudo dnf downgrade ws-xmlrpc-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1.3> sudo dnf versionlock add ws-xmlrpc

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-2016-5004?

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

Is CVE-2016-5004 being exploited?

CVE-2016-5004 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-2016-5004 affect?

CVE-2016-5004 affects ws-xmlrpc. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). The Content-Encoding HTTP header feature in ws-xmlrpc 3.1.3 as used in Apache Archiva allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (resource consumption) by decompressing a large file containing zeroes.

How urgent is CVE-2016-5004?

Priority 56/100. EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2016-5003 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE The Apache XML-RPC (aka ws-xmlrpc) library 3.1.3, as used in Apache Archiva, allows remote attackers to execut

References

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