CVE-2017-6437: The base64encode function in base64.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 allows local users to cause a denial o

Routine

MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-6437 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting libplist. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The base64encode function in base64.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 allows local users to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted plist file.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 61%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2017-03-15
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: libplist project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-03-15 14:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:22 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libplist project libplist DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.12

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.12

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.12 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libplist sudo apt install libplist=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.12> sudo apt-mark hold libplist

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

dnf --showduplicates list libplist sudo dnf downgrade libplist-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.12> sudo dnf versionlock add libplist

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-2017-6437?

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

Is CVE-2017-6437 being exploited?

CVE-2017-6437 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-2017-6437 affect?

CVE-2017-6437 affects libplist. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). The base64encode function in base64.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 allows local users to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted plist file.

How urgent is CVE-2017-6437?

Priority 32/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-7982 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE Integer overflow in the plist_from_bin function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice/libplist before 2017-04-19 all
CVE-2017-6440 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE The parse_data_node function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 allows local users to cause a denia
CVE-2017-6439 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the parse_string_node function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 all
CVE-2017-6438 HIGH 7.3 DOWNGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the parse_unicode_node function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 al
CVE-2017-6436 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE The parse_string_node function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 allows local users to cause a den

References

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