CVE-2016-8686: The bm_new function in bitmap.h in potrace 1.13 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a craft

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-8686?

potrace: upgrade to newer than 1.12. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-8686 being exploited?

CVE-2016-8686 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-2016-8686 affect?

CVE-2016-8686 affects potrace. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The bm_new function in bitmap.h in potrace 1.13 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted image, which triggers a memory allocation failure.

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2016-8686 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting potrace. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The bm_new function in bitmap.h in potrace 1.13 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted image, which triggers a memory allocation failure.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.5% (top 25%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2017-01-31
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: potrace project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-01-31 22:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:54 UTCUpdated Record last modified

potrace project potrace UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.12

Fixed in: newer than 1.12

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade potrace

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade potrace

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-2016-8686?

potrace: upgrade to newer than 1.12. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-8686 being exploited?

CVE-2016-8686 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-2016-8686 affect?

CVE-2016-8686 affects potrace. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The bm_new function in bitmap.h in potrace 1.13 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted image, which triggers a memory allocation failure.

How urgent is CVE-2016-8686?

Priority 46/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-7263 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE The bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in Potrace 1.14 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of servi
CVE-2017-12067 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Potrace 1.14 has a heap-based buffer over-read in the interpolate_cubic function in mkbitmap.c.
CVE-2016-8703 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in potrace before 1.13 allows remote
CVE-2016-8702 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in potrace before 1.13 allows remote
CVE-2016-8701 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in potrace before 1.13 allows remote

References

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