Description
When decoding data out of a dataset encoded with the H5Z_NBIT decoding, the HDF5 1.8.16 library will fail to ensure that the precision is within the bounds of the size leading to arbitrary code execution.
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 | hdf5 | 1.10.0-patch1+docs-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | hdf5 | 1.10.0-patch1+docs-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | hdf5 | 1.10.0-patch1+docs-1 | — |
| Debian 8 | hdf5 | 1.8.13+docs-15+deb8u1 | DSA-3727-1 |
| Debian 7 | hdf5 | 1.8.8-9+deb7u1 | DLA-771-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | hdf5 | 1.8.16+docs-4ubuntu1.1 | — |
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | hdf5 | 1.8.11-5ubuntu7.1 | — |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSE Package Hub 12 | hdf5 | 1.8.17-5.1 | openSUSE-SU-2018:1056-1, openSUSE-SU-2018:1051-1 |
Advisories 4
- DLA-771-1 hdf5 - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DSA-3727-1 hdf5 - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- openSUSE-SU-2018:1056-1 Security update for hdf5 SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- openSUSE-SU-2018:1051-1 Security update for hdf5 SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- http://www.talosintelligence.com/reports/TALOS-2016-0177/
- 94411 vdb-entry
- GLSA-201701-13 vendor-advisory
- DSA-3727 vendor-advisory