Description
The ELF parser in file 5.08 through 5.21 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a large number of notes.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | file | 1:5.21+15-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | file | 1:5.21+15-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | file | 1:5.21+15-1 | — |
| Debian 7 | file | 5.11-2+deb7u7 | DSA-3121-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | file | 1:5.32-2ubuntu0.1 | USN-3686-1 |
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | file | 1:5.25-2ubuntu1.1 | USN-3686-1 |
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | file | 1:5.14-2ubuntu3.4 | USN-3686-1 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 6 | file +4 | 5.04-30.el6 | RHSA-2016:0760 |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 12 SP3 | file +1 | 5.22-10.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2017:3048-1 |
| SLES 12 SP2 | file +1 | 5.22-10.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2017:3048-1 |
Show 2 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES for SAP 12 SP3 | file | 5.22-10.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2017:3048-1 |
| SLES for SAP 12 SP2 | file | 5.22-10.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2017:3048-1 |
Advisories 4
- RHSA-2016:0760 Red Hat Security Advisory: file security, bug fix, and enhancement update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 29, 2026
- USN-3686-1 file vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 22, 2026
- DSA-3121-1 file - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2017:3048-1 Security update for file SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- [oss-security] 20150117 Re: CVE request: file(1) DoS mailing-list
- http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/linuxbulletinapr2016-2952096.html
- USN-3686-1 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2016:0760 vendor-advisory
- https://github.com/file/file/commit/ce90e05774dd77d86cfc8dfa6da57b32816841c4
- [File] 20150102 file 5.22 is now available mailing-list
- 71715 vdb-entry
- [File] 20141216 file 5.21 is now available mailing-list
- DSA-3121 vendor-advisory
- GLSA-201503-08 vendor-advisory
- http://advisories.mageia.org/MGASA-2015-0040.html