CVE-2017-6438: Heap-based buffer overflow in the parse_unicode_node function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 al

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HIGH 7.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-6438 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting libplist. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in the parse_unicode_node function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 allows local users to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds write) and possibly code execution via a crafted plist file.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 48%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
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-2017-6438?

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

Is CVE-2017-6438 being exploited?

CVE-2017-6438 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-2017-6438 affect?

CVE-2017-6438 affects libplist. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). Heap-based buffer overflow in the parse_unicode_node function in bplist.c in libimobiledevice libplist 1.12 allows local users to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds write) and possibly code execution via a crafted plist file.

How urgent is CVE-2017-6438?

Priority 44/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

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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
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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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