CVE-2017-9872: The III_dequantize_sample function in layer3.c in mpglib, as used in libmpgdecoder.a in LAME 3.99.5 and other

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2017-9872 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting lame. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The III_dequantize_sample function in layer3.c in mpglib, as used in libmpgdecoder.a in LAME 3.99.5 and other products, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack-based buffer overflow and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted audio file.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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	9.8% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2017-06-25
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: lame project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-06-25 19:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:29 UTCUpdated Record last modified

lame project lame DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.99.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.99.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.99.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison lame sudo apt install lame=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.99.5> sudo apt-mark hold lame

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

dnf --showduplicates list lame sudo dnf downgrade lame-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.99.5> sudo dnf versionlock add lame

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: LAME 3.99.5 - 'III_dequantize_sample' Stack Buffer Overflow

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-2017-9872?

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

Is CVE-2017-9872 being exploited?

CVE-2017-9872 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-2017-9872 affect?

CVE-2017-9872 affects lame. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The III_dequantize_sample function in layer3.c in mpglib, as used in libmpgdecoder.a in LAME 3.99.5 and other products, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack-based buffer overflow and application crash) or possibly hav

How urgent is CVE-2017-9872?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-9871 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE The III_i_stereo function in layer3.c in mpglib, as used in libmpgdecoder.a in LAME 3.99.5 and other products,
CVE-2017-9870 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE The III_i_stereo function in layer3.c in mpglib, as used in libmpgdecoder.a in LAME 3.99.5 and other products,
CVE-2017-9869 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE The II_step_one function in layer2.c in mpglib, as used in libmpgdecoder.a in LAME 3.99.5 and other products,
CVE-2017-9412 MEDIUM 5.5 DOWNGRADE The unpack_read_samples function in frontend/get_audio.c in LAME 3.99.5 allows remote attackers to cause a den
CVE-2017-8419 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE LAME through 3.99.5 relies on the signed integer data type for values in a WAV or AIFF header, which allows re

References

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