CVE-2016-7164: The construct function in puff.cpp in Libtorrent 1.1.0 allows remote torrent trackers to cause a denial of ser

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-7164 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting libtorrent. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The construct function in puff.cpp in Libtorrent 1.1.0 allows remote torrent trackers to cause a denial of service (segmentation fault and crash) via a crafted GZIP response.

Why this priority

High severity
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	2.9% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2017-02-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: libtorrent

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-02-07 15:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:52 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libtorrent libtorrent DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libtorrent sudo apt install libtorrent=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1> sudo apt-mark hold libtorrent

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

dnf --showduplicates list libtorrent sudo dnf downgrade libtorrent-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1> sudo dnf versionlock add libtorrent

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-2016-7164?

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

Is CVE-2016-7164 being exploited?

CVE-2016-7164 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-2016-7164 affect?

CVE-2016-7164 affects libtorrent. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The construct function in puff.cpp in Libtorrent 1.1.0 allows remote torrent trackers to cause a denial of service (segmentation fault and crash) via a crafted GZIP response.

How urgent is CVE-2016-7164?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-9847 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE The bdecode function in bdecode.cpp in libtorrent 1.1.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (
CVE-2016-5301 HIGH 7.5 MITIGATE MITIGATE The parse_chunk_header function in libtorrent before 1.1.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of servic

References

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