CVE-2016-5851: python-docx before 0.8.6 allows context-dependent attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via a

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-5851?

python-docx: upgrade to newer than 0.8.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-5851 being exploited?

CVE-2016-5851 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-2016-5851 affect?

CVE-2016-5851 affects python-docx. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). python-docx before 0.8.6 allows context-dependent attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via a crafted document.

This month

HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2016-5851 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting python-docx. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

python-docx before 0.8.6 allows context-dependent attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via a crafted document.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.4% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-611
Published	2016-12-21
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: python-openxml project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-12-21 22:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:50 UTCUpdated Record last modified

python-openxml project python-docx UPGRADE

Affected: <= 0.8.5

Fixed in: newer than 0.8.5

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy python-docx || rpm -q python-docx || python-docx --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 0.8.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade python-docx

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade python-docx

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-2016-5851?

python-docx: upgrade to newer than 0.8.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-5851 being exploited?

CVE-2016-5851 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-2016-5851 affect?

CVE-2016-5851 affects python-docx. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). python-docx before 0.8.6 allows context-dependent attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via a crafted document.

How urgent is CVE-2016-5851?

Priority 52/100. High severity

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities

References

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