CVE-2017-7263: The bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in Potrace 1.14 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of servi

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-7263 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting potrace. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in Potrace 1.14 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted BMP image. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2016-8698.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 24%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2017-03-26
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: potrace project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-03-26 05:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:23 UTCUpdated Record last modified

potrace project potrace DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.14

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.14

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.14 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison potrace sudo apt install potrace=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.14> sudo apt-mark hold potrace

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

dnf --showduplicates list potrace sudo dnf downgrade potrace-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.14> sudo dnf versionlock add potrace

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-2017-7263?

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

Is CVE-2017-7263 being exploited?

CVE-2017-7263 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-2017-7263 affect?

CVE-2017-7263 affects potrace. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in Potrace 1.14 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted BMP image. NOTE: th

How urgent is CVE-2017-7263?

Priority 46/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-12067 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Potrace 1.14 has a heap-based buffer over-read in the interpolate_cubic function in mkbitmap.c.
CVE-2016-8703 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in potrace before 1.13 allows remote
CVE-2016-8702 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in potrace before 1.13 allows remote
CVE-2016-8701 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in potrace before 1.13 allows remote
CVE-2016-8700 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Heap-based buffer overflow in the bm_readbody_bmp function in bitmap_io.c in potrace before 1.13 allows remote

References

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