CVE-2017-12839: A heap-based buffer over-read in the getbits function in src/libmpg123/getbits.h in mpg123 through 1.25.5 allo

Q: How do I fix CVE-2017-12839?

mpg123: upgrade to newer than 1.25.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2017-12839 being exploited?

CVE-2017-12839 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-2017-12839 affect?

CVE-2017-12839 affects mpg123. Severity is high (CVSS 8.3). A heap-based buffer over-read in the getbits function in src/libmpg123/getbits.h in mpg123 through 1.25.5 allows remote attackers to cause a possible denial-of-service (out-of-bounds read) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a cra

Q: How urgent is CVE-2017-12839?

Priority 56/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

This month

HIGH 8.3UPGRADE

CVE-2017-12839 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.3) affecting mpg123. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A heap-based buffer over-read in the getbits function in src/libmpg123/getbits.h in mpg123 through 1.25.5 allows remote attackers to cause a possible denial-of-service (out-of-bounds read) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted mp3 file.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.3 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	2.8% (top 14%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2019-05-09
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mpg123

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-05-09 17:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mpg123 mpg123 UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.25.5

Fixed in: newer than 1.25.5

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mpg123 || rpm -q mpg123 || mpg123 --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.25.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade mpg123

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade mpg123

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-2017-12839?

mpg123: upgrade to newer than 1.25.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2017-12839 being exploited?

CVE-2017-12839 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-2017-12839 affect?

CVE-2017-12839 affects mpg123. Severity is high (CVSS 8.3). A heap-based buffer over-read in the getbits function in src/libmpg123/getbits.h in mpg123 through 1.25.5 allows remote attackers to cause a possible denial-of-service (out-of-bounds read) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a cra

How urgent is CVE-2017-12839?

Priority 56/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-9545 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE The next_text function in src/libmpg123/id3.c in mpg123 1.24.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of se
CVE-2017-12797 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE Integer overflow in the INT123_parse_new_id3 function in the ID3 parser in mpg123 before 1.25.5 on 32-bit plat
CVE-2017-11126 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE The III_i_stereo function in libmpg123/layer3.c in mpg123 through 1.25.1 allows remote attackers to cause a de
CVE-2017-10683 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE In mpg123 1.25.0, there is a heap-based buffer over-read in the convert_latin1 function in libmpg123/id3.c
CVE-2014-9497 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Buffer overflow in mpg123 before 1.18.0.

References

← Back to latest CVEs