CVE-2016-9918: In BlueZ 5.42, an out-of-bounds read was identified in "packet_hexdump" function in "monitor/packet.c" source

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-9918 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting bluez. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In BlueZ 5.42, an out-of-bounds read was identified in "packet_hexdump" function in "monitor/packet.c" source file. This issue can be triggered by processing a corrupted dump file and will result in btmon crash.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 10%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
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	3.8% (top 10%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2016-12-08
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: bluez project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-12-08 08:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

bluez project bluez DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.42

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.42

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.42 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison bluez sudo apt install bluez=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.42> sudo apt-mark hold bluez

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

dnf --showduplicates list bluez sudo dnf downgrade bluez-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.42> sudo dnf versionlock add bluez

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-2016-9918?

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

Is CVE-2016-9918 being exploited?

CVE-2016-9918 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-2016-9918 affect?

CVE-2016-9918 affects bluez. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). In BlueZ 5.42, an out-of-bounds read was identified in "packet_hexdump" function in "monitor/packet.c" source file. This issue can be triggered by processing a corrupted dump file and will result in btmon crash.

How urgent is CVE-2016-9918?

Priority 59/100. High severity; EPSS top 10%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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