CVE-2016-8386: An exploitable heap-based buffer overflow exists in Iceni Argus

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-8386 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting argus. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An exploitable heap-based buffer overflow exists in Iceni Argus. When it attempts to convert a PDF containing a malformed font to XML, the tool will attempt to use a size out of the font to search through a linked list of buffers to return. Due to a signedness issue, a buffer smaller than the requested size will be returned. Later when the tool tries to populate this buffer, the overflow will occur which can lead to code execution under the conte

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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	2.2% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2017-02-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: iceni

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-02-27 21:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:54 UTCUpdated Record last modified

iceni argus DOWNGRADE

Affected: 6.6.04

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.6.04

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 6.6.04 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison argus sudo apt install argus=<VERSION_BEFORE_6.6.04> sudo apt-mark hold argus

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

dnf --showduplicates list argus sudo dnf downgrade argus-<VERSION_BEFORE_6.6.04> sudo dnf versionlock add argus

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-2016-8386?

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

Is CVE-2016-8386 being exploited?

CVE-2016-8386 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-2016-8386 affect?

CVE-2016-8386 affects argus. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An exploitable heap-based buffer overflow exists in Iceni Argus. When it attempts to convert a PDF containing a malformed font to XML, the tool will attempt to use a size out of the font to search through a linked list of buffers to return.

How urgent is CVE-2016-8386?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-2777 HIGH 8.8 DOWNGRADE An exploitable heap overflow vulnerability exists in the ipStringCreate function of Iceni Argus Version 6.6.05
CVE-2016-8715 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE An exploitable heap corruption vulnerability exists in the loadTrailer functionality of Iceni Argus version 6.
CVE-2016-8389 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE An exploitable integer-overflow vulnerability exists within Iceni Argus
CVE-2016-8388 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE An exploitable arbitrary heap-overwrite vulnerability exists within Iceni Argus
CVE-2016-8387 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE An exploitable heap-based buffer overflow exists in Iceni Argus

References

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