Description
The ELF parser in file 5.16 through 5.21 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a long string.
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 | — |
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 |
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 2
- USN-3686-1 file vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 22, 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
- USN-3686-1 vendor-advisory
- [File] 20141216 file 5.21 is now available mailing-list
- [File] 20150102 file 5.22 is now available mailing-list
- GLSA-201503-08 vendor-advisory
- http://advisories.mageia.org/MGASA-2015-0040.html
- https://github.com/file/file/commit/65437cee25199dbd385fb35901bc0011e164276c