CVE-2016-5300: The XML parser in Expat does not use sufficient entropy for hash initialization, which allows context-depen...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2016-5300 is a denial-of-service issue in the Expat XML parser. A specially crafted XML document can make vulnerable software spend excessive CPU time. Business urgency depends on whether internet-facing or business-critical systems accept untrusted XML and use an affected Expat version. Likely exposure exists where applications, appliances, mobile components, or OS packages parse untrusted XML using vulnerable Expat. Risk is higher for externally reachable XML ingestion paths and multi-tenant services. The CVE record’s affected-product data is generic, so teams must validate through vendor package and embedded library inventory. Treat this as a service-availability risk, not a confirmed breach indicator. Prioritize externally exposed XML-processing systems and critical services. Because it is older and vendor advisories exist, unresolved findings usually indicate patch-management gaps or embedded dependency risk. Mitigation focus: Apply relevant Expat updates from your OS, application, appliance, or mobile vendor advisories.; Prioritize systems that parse XML from external users or untrusted partners.; Check vendor guidance where Expat is bundled inside commercial or embedded products..

Prepared

Jun 13, 2026, 15:11 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.