CVE-2017-9474: In ytnef 1.9.2, the DecompressRTF function in lib/ytnef.c allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-9474 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting ytnef. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In ytnef 1.9.2, the DecompressRTF function in lib/ytnef.c allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted file.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 39%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2017-06-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ytnef project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-06-07 05:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:28 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ytnef project ytnef DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.9.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.9.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.9.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ytnef sudo apt install ytnef=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.9.2> sudo apt-mark hold ytnef

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

dnf --showduplicates list ytnef sudo dnf downgrade ytnef-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.9.2> sudo dnf versionlock add ytnef

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-2017-9474?

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

Is CVE-2017-9474 being exploited?

CVE-2017-9474 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-2017-9474 affect?

CVE-2017-9474 affects ytnef. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). In ytnef 1.9.2, the DecompressRTF function in lib/ytnef.c allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted file.

How urgent is CVE-2017-9474?

Priority 39/100. Public exploit reference

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References

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