CVE-2017-10790: The _asn1_check_identifier function in GNU Libtasn1 through 4.12 causes a NULL pointer dereference and crash w

Q: How do I fix CVE-2017-10790?

libtasn1: upgrade to newer than 4.12. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2017-10790 being exploited?

CVE-2017-10790 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-2017-10790 affect?

CVE-2017-10790 affects libtasn1. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The _asn1_check_identifier function in GNU Libtasn1 through 4.12 causes a NULL pointer dereference and crash when reading crafted input that triggers assignment of a NULL value within an asn1_node structure. It may lead to a remote denial o

Q: How urgent is CVE-2017-10790?

Priority 59/100. High severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2017-10790 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting libtasn1. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The _asn1_check_identifier function in GNU Libtasn1 through 4.12 causes a NULL pointer dereference and crash when reading crafted input that triggers assignment of a NULL value within an asn1_node structure. It may lead to a remote denial of service attack.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	4.9% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-476
Published	2017-07-02
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gnu

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-07-02 03:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:00 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnu libtasn1 UPGRADE

Affected: <= 4.12

Fixed in: newer than 4.12

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy libtasn1 || rpm -q libtasn1 || libtasn1 --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade libtasn1

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade libtasn1

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-2017-10790?

libtasn1: upgrade to newer than 4.12. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-10790 being exploited?

CVE-2017-10790 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-2017-10790 affect?

CVE-2017-10790 affects libtasn1. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The _asn1_check_identifier function in GNU Libtasn1 through 4.12 causes a NULL pointer dereference and crash when reading crafted input that triggers assignment of a NULL value within an asn1_node structure. It may lead to a remote denial o

How urgent is CVE-2017-10790?

Priority 59/100. High severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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